The Tempest is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written in 1610–11, and thought by many critics to be the last play that Shakespeare wrote alone. It is set on a remote island, where Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, plots to restore his daughter Miranda to her rightful place using illusion and skillful manipulation. He conjures up a storm, the eponymous tempest, to lure his usurping brother Antonio and the complicit King Alonso of Naples to the island. There, his machinations bring about the revelation of Antonio's lowly nature, the redemption of the King, and the marriage of Miranda to Alonso's son, Ferdinand. The play contains music and songs that evoke the spirit of enchantment on the island. It explores many themes, including power, revenge, mercy, and forgiveness. In Act IV, a masque, in which Juno and other Olympian deities are invited to bless the betrothal of Miranda and Ferdinand, is presented. The play was very popular in its day, and was often performed at court. It has been adapted numerous times in a variety of styles and formats.
By William Shakespeare · First published 1610 · Genre: Tragedy, Romance, Comedy · 10 chapters