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50 pages 1 hour read

The Tempest

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1611

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Book Brief

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William Shakespeare

The Tempest

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1611
Book Details
Pages

218

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Remote Island • 17th Century

Publication Year

1611

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Tempest by William Shakespeare is a comic tale in which Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan, conjures a storm to maroon his usurping brother Antonio and other noblemen on a mystical island. Using magic, Prospero manipulates his enemies, seeks vengeance, and engineers a union between his daughter Miranda and Ferdinand, which ultimately leads to reconciliation, remorse, and forgiveness.

Mysterious

Fantastical

Romantic

Adventurous

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.1

218,645 ratings

63%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Tempest by William Shakespeare is celebrated for its imaginative narrative and rich character development, particularly Prospero and Ariel. Critics praise its exploration of themes like power, forgiveness, and magic. Some note its dated colonial attitudes and complex language as potential barriers for modern readers. Overall, it's seen as a compelling and multi-layered work.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Tempest?

A reader who would enjoy The Tempest by William Shakespeare appreciates timeless literature, intricate narratives, and poetic language. Similar to enthusiasts of Hamlet or A Midsummer Night's Dream, they savor rich character development and themes of magic, power, and redemption.

4.1

218,645 ratings

63%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

PROSPERO

The rightful Duke of Milan, Prospero is the story's main character who uses magic to restore himself to his kingdom after being betrayed by his brother, Antonio. He controls most events in the play to achieve his goals.

An ethereal and magical spirit of the island enslaved by Prospero. Ariel performs various magical tasks for Prospero in exchange for the promise of eventual freedom.

Prospero's teenage daughter, raised on the island. She falls in love with Ferdinand, forming the play’s romantic subplot.

The son of a witch, Caliban is enslaved by Prospero and yearns for freedom. Although he appears monstrous, he has eloquent speech and plots to overthrow Prospero with two ship passengers.

Alonso’s court jester who becomes a comic figure by getting drunk and being generally ineffective. He provides comic relief in the play.

The king's wine and liquor butler, often drunk. He conspires with Trinculo and Caliban but ultimately serves as a comic foil.

King of Naples, who assisted in overthrowing Prospero. He believes his son Ferdinand is lost at sea during a storm.

Prospero's brother and the main antagonist. He usurped Prospero's position as Duke of Milan and later plots to commit further treacheries.

Alonso's brother who is influenced by Antonio to conspire against King Alonso.

An elderly and wise counselor to Alonso. He helped provide Prospero and Miranda with supplies when they were exiled.

A capable crew member who directs the sailors during the storm trying to save the ship.

Book Details
Pages

218

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Remote Island • 17th Century

Publication Year

1611

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

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