Quotes (The Tempest)

This section explains the key quotes in the play The Tempest by William Shakespeare. Below are the key quotes from The Tempest, each with an explanation of its significance to the themes, characters, and overall structure of the play. These quotes are essential for understanding the play’s exploration of power, control, forgiveness, and the supernatural.

 “What cares these roarers for the name of king?” (Boatswain, Act 1, Scene 1)

Context: The ship’s crew struggles against the storm as the noble passengers demand attention.

Explanation: This line reflects the theme of power and nature. The storm, a natural force, is indifferent to human authority or status, undermining the idea of hierarchy. This also foreshadows the disruption of social order on the island.

 “If by your art, my dearest father, you have put the wild waters in this roar, allay them.” (Miranda, Act 1, Scene 2)

Context: Miranda speaks to Prospero, believing he caused the storm.

Explanation: Miranda’s concern for the suffering of others highlights her compassion and innocence. Her reference to Prospero’s “art” introduces his magical powers, which dominate much of the play.

 “I, thus neglecting worldly ends, all dedicated to closeness and the bettering of my mind.” (Prospero, Act 1, Scene 2)

Context: Prospero explains to Miranda how he was overthrown as Duke of Milan.

Explanation: Prospero reflects on how his obsession with studying magic led him to neglect his duties, resulting in his exile. This highlights the theme of knowledge versus responsibility and sets up his desire for control on the island.

 “A prince of power.” (Ariel, Act 1, Scene 2)

Context: Ariel reminds Prospero of the debt owed for freeing him from imprisonment.

Explanation: Ariel’s reference to himself as a “prince of power” reminds us that before Prospero’s arrival, Ariel was a being of immense magical ability. It also reflects the power dynamics between them, despite Ariel’s servitude.

 “You taught me language, and my profit on’t is, I know how to curse.” (Caliban, Act 1, Scene 2)

Context: Caliban bitterly addresses Prospero, blaming him for his current state.

Explanation: This quote explores the theme of colonialism and exploitation. Caliban’s use of language, a tool of civilisation, becomes a means of rebellion, showing the complexity of his subjugation by Prospero.

 “I am subject to a tyrant, a sorcerer, that by his cunning hath cheated me of the island.” (Caliban, Act 3, Scene 2)

Context: Caliban speaks to Stephano and Trinculo, seeking their help to overthrow Prospero.

Explanation: Caliban expresses his view of Prospero as a tyrant and reflects on the theme of power and usurpation. His resentment shows the effects of colonial dominance, as he seeks to reclaim control of his homeland.

 “Full fathom five thy father lies, of his bones are coral made.” (Ariel, Act 1, Scene 2)

Context: Ariel sings to Ferdinand, leading him to believe his father, Alonso, is dead.

Explanation: This ethereal song reflects the play’s theme of transformation and the supernatural. The image of Alonso’s body turning into coral symbolises both loss and the merging of human life with nature.

 “There be some sports are painful, and their labour delight in them sets off.” (Ferdinand, Act 3, Scene 1)

Context: Ferdinand speaks to Miranda as he labours under Prospero’s orders.

Explanation: Ferdinand’s words highlight the theme of suffering and reward. He willingly endures hardship for the sake of his love for Miranda, showing the balance between toil and joy that permeates the play.

 “O brave new world that has such people in’t!” (Miranda, Act 5, Scene 1)

Context: Miranda reacts to seeing more people (the nobles) for the first time.

Explanation: This line reflects Miranda’s innocence and optimism. Her naivety contrasts with the darker reality of the events that have taken place, showing the theme of illusion versus reality. The line has become iconic as an expression of awe and wonder.

 “We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep.” (Prospero, Act 4, Scene 1)

Context: Prospero reflects on the ephemeral nature of life after the masque.

Explanation: This famous line encapsulates the theme of illusion and the transient nature of human existence. Prospero compares life to a dream, emphasising the fleeting and insubstantial nature of all human experiences, including power and control.

 “The rarer action is in virtue than in vengeance.” (Prospero, Act 5, Scene 1)

Context: Prospero considers whether to take revenge on his enemies or forgive them.

Explanation: This marks Prospero’s shift from a desire for retribution to forgiveness. The quote underscores one of the play’s key themes; redemption and the moral superiority of mercy over vengeance.

 “I’ll break my staff, bury it certain fathoms in the earth, and deeper than did ever plummet sound I’ll drown my book.” (Prospero, Act 5, Scene 1)

Context: Prospero announces his intention to renounce magic.

Explanation: This moment signifies the end of Prospero’s power as he relinquishes the tools that have allowed him to control others. The act of burying his staff and drowning his book represents the theme of letting go of authority and embracing mortality.

 “Be not afeard; the isle is full of noises, sounds, and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.” (Caliban, Act 3, Scene 2)

Context: Caliban reassures Stephano and Trinculo, describing the island’s enchantments.

Explanation: This passage humanises Caliban, revealing his sensitivity to the beauty of the island. It contrasts with his brutish portrayal earlier in the play and shows the complexity of his character, exploring the theme of nature’s enchantment.

 “You are three men of sin.” (Ariel, Act 3, Scene 3)

Context: Ariel, in the form of a harpy, condemns Alonso, Antonio, and Sebastian for their betrayal of Prospero.

Explanation: Ariel’s accusation represents divine judgement, with the harpy symbolising justice. The speech connects to the theme of guilt and repentance, reminding the men of their sins and foreshadowing the eventual forgiveness Prospero will offer.

 “Hell is empty and all the devils are here.” (Ariel, Act 1, Scene 2)

Context: Ariel recounts how he terrified the passengers of the ship during the storm.

Explanation: This line reflects the chaotic, supernatural forces that Prospero has unleashed. It suggests the corrupt nature of human beings (especially Antonio and Sebastian) and foreshadows the moral reckoning that will come later in the play.

 “This island’s mine, by Sycorax my mother, which thou tak’st from me.” (Caliban, Act 1, Scene 2)

Context: Caliban confronts Prospero, claiming ownership of the island.

Explanation: This line explores the theme of colonialism and power. Caliban’s assertion of his rights to the island contrasts with Prospero’s authority, highlighting the tension between coloniser and colonised.

 “Me, poor man, my library was dukedom large enough.” (Prospero, Act 1, Scene 2)

Context: Prospero reflects on his past, when he was Duke of Milan.

Explanation: This quote highlights Prospero’s intellectual pursuits and his neglect of political responsibilities. It shows how his love for learning led to his downfall, emphasising the theme of knowledge and its consequences.

 “A devil, a born devil, on whose nature nurture can never stick.” (Prospero, Act 4, Scene 1)

Context: Prospero angrily condemns Caliban after he plots against him.

Explanation: Prospero’s harsh judgement of Caliban reflects the theme of nature versus nurture. Despite his attempts to educate and civilise Caliban, Prospero believes that Caliban’s base nature is unchangeable.

 “This rough magic I here abjure.” (Prospero, Act 5, Scene 1)

Context: Prospero renounces his magical powers.

Explanation: This marks Prospero’s renunciation of the supernatural and his decision to return to the human world. It signifies his acceptance of mortality and his desire for reconciliation and redemption, tying into the theme of relinquishing control.

 “Set Caliban and his companions free: untie the spell.” (Prospero, Act 5, Scene 1)

Context: Prospero forgives Caliban and the others, releasing them from his magical control.

Explanation: This moment represents Prospero’s ultimate act of forgiveness, extending even to Caliban. It underscores the play’s themes of freedom and reconciliation, as all characters are freed from their bonds, both literal and metaphorical.

These quotes encapsulate key moments and themes in The Tempest. As you revise, consider how these quotes illuminate character development and explore important ideas like power, control, redemption, and the tension between nature and civilisation.