There are several prehistories (accounts of what happened before the shipwreck) described in the first act of The Tempest: the history of how Prospero and Miranda arrived on the island, the history of Caliban’s relationship with Prospero and Miranda and the history of Prospero’s relationship to Ariel. Which do you think is the most important or memorable and why? Be sure to describe the prehistory that you choose.
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The second scene of the first act of The Tempest gives the readers the history of what happened before the shipwreck described in scene 1. The most important prehistory described in scene 2 was the history of the events that led to Prospero and Miranda getting stranded on the island. This is because it sets up the reason for the vengeance Prospero seems to seek. From the first time Prospero mentions Alonso, the king of Naples, it is clear that Prospero harbors immense hatred for the man. This backstory is what gives the readers the insight to why Prospero treats Ferdinand, the son of King Alonso, the way he does in the end of the act. Even though Miranda tries to vouch for the prince, Prospero charges Ferdinand with treason, and makes him his prisoner. No matter how many times Miranda says things such as “O dear father, Make not too rash a trial of him, for He’s gentle and not fearful.” (1.2.565-567), or “Sir, have pity. I’ll be his surety.” (1.2.577-578), Prospero only responds with “Silence!” instead of listening to his only daughter. Since the readers are told how Prospero was usurped from his power by his own brother, with the help of King Alonso of Naples, it gives them an explanation for Propsero’s behavior. Without the prehistory, the readers would be left out of the loop, and be confused as to what is the motivation for Prospero’s schemes that he is having Ariel, the spirit he has in servitude, help him with.
The most important scene from Act 1 was the history of Prospero’s relationship with Ariel. I stated that since if he never met Ariel, Ferdinand and Miranda wouldn’t have fallen in love. Ariel was a servant to a Sycorax. until he refused to do the task she told him to so ( Tempest, 275). As a result, of him not following her instructions she locked him up in a pine tree for 12 years. When Prospero saw him groaning in the cage he let him out and became his servant(Tempest,295). From this encounter he was able to devise a plan of making Ferdinand and Miranda meet. Prospero plan was for Ariel to create a storm to scare everyone in the boat without injuring them (Tempest,220). While creating the storm Prospero told Ariel to leave Ferdinand on his island and the rest in a deep cove(Tempest,230). Then afterwards led Ferdinand to him and his daughter. As Ariel did what he was told the plan Prospero came into affect and they fell in love.
Scene 2 in act one gives the prehistory to the events of the shipwreck. The most important part of the prehistory of the shipwreck is the moment when Prospero expressed his hatred toward the King of Naples, Alonso. The strong emotions toward the King paved the way for the emotions that he would express onto the king’s son, Ferdinand. However Prospero’s daughter had fallen in love with Ferdinand; while Prospero was joyful of the connection the two had, he had begun to express his hatred toward Alonso in his son by charging him with treason and having him enslaved due to the process. All of this necessary prehistory develops into the demise of Prospero and his daughter Miranda by the isolationment of the two on an island.
The most important and memorable prehistory that lead to the events of the shipwreck was Act 1 scene 2 “My brother and thy uncle, call’d Antonio- I pray thee mark me- that a brother should be so perfidious,” (1.2.66-68) where Prospero tells his story on how he and his daughter (Miranda) was brought to the island. He explains how his own brother betrayed him and become untrustworthy. This is where he expresses his strong emotions towards Antonio and towards the King of Naples, Alonso whom both conspired against him to overthrow his Dukedom. This instigated the shipwreck by Prospero; he used his magic powers to create the storm with the help of Ariel the spirit (1.2.93-206). No mariners were hurt but this was his way to reprise those who had wronged him. Because of what had happened to him, it made him look weak and vulnerable, and gave him an appetite for vengeance.
In scene 2 of Act 1, we get the prehistory oh how Prospero and Miranda arrived on the island, that happened before the shipwreck. This serves as the most important prehistory so far as it explains the events that further characterizes our protagonist Prospero and gives the reader a better understanding of his motives, feelings, and actions, as well as further establishing the plot of Prospero seeking vengeance. As as we learn that Prospero was betrayed by his own brother Antonio with the help of Alonso, the King of Naples, we get further insight and justification for Prosperos feelings of anger and hatred. It also leads him to hating Ferdinand, the son of Alonso , to the point where Miranda vouching for him holds no value to Prospero as his own daughter. All of these events are crucial to understanding our protagonist.
The most memorable part of the act 1 scene 2 was Prospero’s dialogue with Caliban. Prospero calls Caliban and when he appears he begins cursing Prospero. Prospero threatens to Caliban by giving him cramps at night, and Caliban reproaches Prospero for imprisoning him and deprived him of island that once belonged to him ( 1.2.395-1.2.399). Caliban reminds to Prospero that he helped them find food and water when they first arrived on the island and he disappointed that he did that for Prospero and Miranda. (1.2.403-1.2.406). Prospero blames Caliban of being ingratitude for everything he taught and gave him, calls him a ‘lying slave’. Prospero cannot trust to Caliban once he tried to rape her daughter Miranda ( 1.2.412-1.2.418).