The Tempest

The story centers on Prospero the exiled Duke of Milan who lives on an isolated island with his daughter Miranda. Using his magical abilities Prospero controls the island’s spirits particularly Ariel a spirit of the air and Caliban a monstrous creature native to the island. The plot begins with a shipwreck caused by a storm (the tempest) which brings the people responsible for Prospero's exile to the island. Among them is his brother Antonio who betrayed him to seize the dukedom. Over the course of the play Prospero uses his magic to manipulate the shipwreck survivors and orchestrates events that will lead to the restoration of his dukedom. The themes of justice and forgiveness emerge as Prospero ultimately chooses to forgive those who wronged him choosing reconciliation over revenge. The play ends with Prospero renouncing his magic returning to Milan and reflecting on the transient nature of power and life itself.