THE TEMPEST SPARK NOTES

Act II, scene i

Summary
Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, Gonzalo, and other shipwrecked lords (Adrian, Francisco)
search for Ferdinand, they are on a different part of the island.
Alonso is quite despondent and unreceptive to the good-natured Gonzalos attempts to
cheer him up.
Gonzalo meets resistance from Antonio and Sebastian as well.
Antonio and Sebastian childishly mock Gonzalos suggestion that the island is a good
place to be and that they are all lucky to have survived.
Alonso finally brings the repartee to a halt when he bursts out at Gonzalo and openly
expresses regret at having married away his daughter in Tunis.
Francisco, a minor lord, pipes up at this point that he saw Ferdinand swimming valiantly
after the wreck, but this does not comfort Alonso.
Sebastian and Antonio continue to provide little help.
Sebastian tells his brother that he is indeed to blame for Ferdinands deathif he had not
married his daughter to an African (rather than a European), none of this would have
happened.
Gonzalo tells the lords that they are only making the situation worse and attempts to
change the subject, discussing what he might do if he were the lord of the island.
Antonio and Sebastian mock his utopian vision.
Ariel then enters, playing solemn music (II.i.182, stage direction), and gradually all but
Sebastian and Antonio fall asleep.
Seeing the vulnerability of his sleeping companions, Antonio tries to persuade Sebastian
to kill his brother. He rationalizes this scheme by explaining that Claribel, who is now
Queen of Tunis, is too far from Naples to inherit the kingdom should her father die, and
as a result, Sebastian would be the heir to the throne.
Sebastian begins to warm to the idea, especially after Antonio tells him that usurping
Prosperos dukedom was the best move he ever made.
Sebastian wonders aloud whether he will be afflicted by conscience, but Antonio
dismisses this out of hand.
Sebastian is at last convinced, and the two men draw their swords.
Sebastian, however, seems to have second thoughts at the last moment and stops. While
he and Antonio confer, Ariel enters with music, singing in Gonzalos ear that a
conspiracy is under way and that he should Awake, awake! (II.i.301). Gonzalo wakes
and shouts Preserve the King! His exclamation wakes everyone else (II.i.303).
Sebastian quickly concocts a story about hearing a loud noise that caused him and
Antonio to draw their swords. Gonzalo is obviously suspicious but does not challenge the
lords. The group continues its search for Ferdinand.
Analysis
As in the storm scene in Act I, scene i, Shakespeare emphasizes and undercuts the capacity of the
bare stage to create a convincing illusion throughout Act II, scene i. As the shipwrecked mariners
look around the island, they describe it in poetry of great imagistic richness, giving the audience
an imaginary picture of the setting of the play. Even so, they disagree about what they see, and
even argue over what the island actually looks like. Adrian finds it to be of subtle, tender, and
delicate temperance, where the air breathes upon us . . . most sweetly (II.i.4247). Gonzalo
says that the grass is lush and lusty and green (II.i.5354). Antonio and Sebastian, however,
cynical to the last, refuse to let these descriptions rest in the audiences mind. They say that the
air smells as twere perfumed by a fen (II.i.49), meaning a swamp, and that the ground indeed
is tawny (II.i.55), or brown. The remarks of Antonio and Sebastian could be easily discounted
as mere grumpiness, were it not for the fact that Gonzalo and Adrian do seem at times to be
stretching the truth. (Adrian, for example, begins his remarks about the islands beauty by
saying, Though this island seem to be desert . . . Uninhabitable, and almost inaccessible
[II.i.3538].) Thus the bareness of the stage allows the beauty and other qualities of the island to
be largely a matter of perspective. The island may be a paradise, but only if one chooses to see it
that way.

Shakespeare uses this ambiguous setting for several different purposes. First, the setting
heightens the sense of wonder and mystery that surrounds the magical island. It also gives each
audience member a great deal of freedom to imagine the island as he or she so chooses. Most
importantly, however, it enables the island to work as a reflection of characterwe know a great
deal about different characters simply from how they choose to see the island. Hence the dark,
sensitive Caliban can find it both a place of terroras when he enters, frightened and
overworked in Act II, scene iiand of great beautyas in his the isle is full of noises speech
(III.ii.130138). Therefore, both Gonzalo (at II.i.147164) and Trinculo (throughout Act III,
scene ii), colonially minded, are so easily able to imagine it as the site of their own utopian
societies.
Gonzalos fantasy about the plantation he would like to build on the island is a remarkable poetic
evocation of a utopian society, in which no one would work, all people would be equal and live
off the land, and all women would be innocent and pure. This vision indicates something of
Gonzalos own innocence and purity. Shakespeare treats the old mans idea of the island as a
kind of lovely dream, in which the frustrations and obstructions of life (magistrates, wealth,
power) would be removed and all could live naturally and authentically. Though Gonzalos idea
is not presented as a practical possibility (hence the mockery he receives from Sebastian and
Antonio), Gonzalos dream contrasts to his credit with the power-obsessed ideas of most of the
other characters, including Prospero. Gonzalo would do away with the very master-servant motif
that lies at the heart of The Tempest.
The mockery dished out by Antonio and Sebastian reveals, by contrast, something of the
noblemens cynicism and lack of feeling. Where Gonzalo is simply grateful and optimistic about
having survived the shipwreck, Antonio and Sebastian seem mainly to be annoyed by it, though
not so annoyed that they stop their incessant jesting with each other. Gonzalo says that they are
simply loudmouthed jokers, who would lift the moon out of her sphere, if she would continue in
it five weeks without changing (II.i.179181). By conspiring against the king, however, they
reveal themselves as more sinister and greedier than Gonzalo recognizes, using their verbal wit
to cover up their darker and more wicked impulses. However, their greediness for power is both
foolish and clumsy. As they attempt to cover their treachery with the story of the bellowing /
Like bulls, or rather lions (II.i.307308), it seems hard to believe that Antonio ever could have
risen successfully against his brother. The absurdly aggressive behavior of Antonio and
Sebastian makes Prosperos exercise of power in the previous and following scenes seem
necessary. It also puts Alonso in a sympathetic position. He is a potential victim of the duos
treachery, a fact that helps the audience believe his conversion when he reconciles with Prospero
at the end.
 Literary Terms in Act 2 Scene 1 (Pun, Metaphor, Analogy, Allusion)
Pun: Sebastian 2.1.10-11 He receives comfort like cold porridge
-Note: Sebastian is referring to Alonso peace is the pun for porridge. It was a dish that had
grains, corn, milk, water, and sometimes peas. Peas pun for peace

Metaphor: Sebastian2.1.14-15:
Look hes winding up the watch of his wit. By and by it will strike. Hes like clock winding up
to strike the hour. They are referring to Gonzalo who is about to get ready to use his wit to
comfort the king.
Sebastian: 2.1.16 One. Tell the clock struck one; keep count
Sebastian: 2.1.16-19
Sebastian A dollar
Gonzalo Dolor comes to him, indeed. You have spoken truer than you purposed.
Sebastian meant money but Gonzalo heard sadness and said hes spoken true.
Dolor means a state of great sadness.
Antonio: 2.1.26: (to SEBASTIAN) Fie, what spendthrift is he of his tongue! spendthrift a
person who spends money in an extravagant, irresponsible way. Here he is saying that Gonzalo
is using his tongue like he was spending lot of money.
QUESTION: Antonio and Sebastian are continually making fun of Gonzalo does
this show their difference in class? Does this make Antonio appear as a good king?
Nobler than Prospero?
Alonso tells Gonzalo to stop talking but Gonzalo says he has more to say Sebastian and
Antonio are really annoyed by this. They then wager a bet who will talk first: Gonzalo or
Adrian?
2.1.32-33 Antonio Which, of he or Adrian, for good wager, first begins to crow?
Sebastian: The old cock the old guy (Gonzalo)
Antonio: The cockerel the young one (Adrian)
-Antonio wins the beat and laughs at Sebastian since that was the wager. Then Sebastian begins
predicting what Adrian is going to say next.

Pun: Antonio: 2.1.46 Temperance was a delicate wench. Here Antonio is making a joke about
temperance because Adrian said it said and he is saying temperance was a fine girl. Sebastian
continues this play by saying that she and she was mild too.
What does temperance mean? Abstinence from alcohol
The next few lines Adrian and Gonzalo are trying to be positive about their predicament by
stating good things about the island. But every time they say something good, Sebastian and
Antonio turn their comment into something negative.
Antonio: 2.1.68-69: If but one of his pockets could speak, would it not say he lies? his
pockets are dirty on the inside.
Sebastian: 2.1.70:Ay, or very falsey pocket up his report or stuff what he says into their
pockets. Knave dishonest man
Irony: Sebastian: 2.1.75:Twas sweet marriage, and we prosper well in our return. it was a
lovely wedding and were doing so great on our trip home. Hes using dramatic irony as well as
making fun of Gonzalo.
Dido according to Greek legend she was believed to be the founder of Carthage,
on the coast of Africa.
Aeneas Trojan hero, Aphrodites son led to founding the city of Rome
-the joke is that one wouldnt think of her as widower when they hear her name and same as
Aeneas
Map show Africa, Tunis, Carthage
-Explain briefly about Carthage - a large and powerful city on the coast of North America-
Gonzalo - is wrong when he says that Tunis was Carthage and so Antonio is saying that he is a
miracle worker. Sebastian agrees by saying if Carthage is here then it must be here. Gonzalo
must have rebuilt the whole city by making such a mistake.
Sebastian: 2.1.94-95 I think he will carry this island home in his pocket and give it to his son
for an apple.
Antonio: 2.1.96-97-And, sowing the kernel so fit in the sea, bring forth more islands.The
joke is that they are saying that Gonzalo is making such things up that hell just bring an island
home in his pocket and give his son an apple. Then hell throw the seeds in the sea and make
more islands grow.
-When Gonzalo tells Alonso about how beautiful his daughter is Antonio agrees and Sebastian
continues the jest by saying that except for the widow Dido and Antonio agrees.
Sebastian 2.1.151 Scape being drunk for want of wine. He wouldnt drink a lot since there is
no wine on the island.
Gonzalo 2.1.152-His ideal of perfect kingship is no kingship which is what Sebastian then
comments on. Gonzalo doesnt want statuses, nobility, servants, education, etc. but in the first
scene he belittles the Boatswain for his status and made fun of him because of it. Not an honest
character.
Gonzalo 2.1.163:All things in common nature should produce without sweat or endeavor.
Treason, felony, Sword, pike, knife, gun, or need of any engine, would not have. But
Nature should bring forth of its own kind all foison, all abundance, to feed my innocent people.
Translation: everything would be made by labor and shared by everyone. There would be no
crimes or weapons. Nature would provide everything in abundance and feed his people.
Joke: Sebastian 2.1.170--171: No marrying mong his subjects? Antonio: None, man, all
idle whores and knaves.there would be no marriage. Antonio says that they have nothing to do
and theyll all be whores and slackers.
Gonzalo would govern a place that excelled the Greeks Golden Age. Sebastian and Antonio
make a joke out of this by saying long live his majesty (referring to Gonzalo).
2.1.184-185: Antonio: What blow was there given! Sebastian: And it had not falln flat long
the comeback fell as flat just like sword, and the flat side of the sword isnt used for cutting or
battle.
2.1.189 Sebastian: We would so, and then go a---bat fowling.we would use the moon for
lantern in order to hunt birds at night by attracting them with light and beating them down with
bats. i.e., in order to gull simpletons like you (?)
CHARACTERS http://www.litcharts.com/lit/the-tempest/characters and S. Scarlett
Alonso King of Naples, father of Ferdinand. He a father concerned for his sons safety
Sebastian - Alonso's brother. Sebastian is easily persuaded by Antonio to try to murder his
brother so that he can become king. It is later revealed that he also played a part in the overthrow
of Prospero. Though Sebastian does inquire of Antonio whether his conscience bothers him, he
never expresses remorse for his plans.
Antonio - Prospero's brother. Antonio once plotted to overthrow Prospero and later
encourages Sebastian to do the same to Alonso. He is a power-hungry and conniving character,
and never shows remorse for his cruel schemes or their consequences.
Gonzalo - Alonso's advisor. Gonzalo was charged with carrying out the kidnapping
of Prospero and Miranda. A kind soul, he pitied the pair and arranged for them to have
provisions for survival in exile. Gonzalo makes the best of every situation, while others seem to
tire of his unfailingly positive attitude. Though he is an object of Antonio and Sebastian's
ridicule, he always maintains his dignity.
Adrian & Francisco - Noble lords who accompany King Alonso to his daughters wedding and
are shipwrecked with him. They try to console the King in his grief at losing his son
Ariel - A spirit and Prospero's servant. Prospero rescued Ariel from a prison in which he was
placed by the dead witch Sycorax. Now Ariel uses magic to carry out Prospero's commands.
Ariel wants his freedom, which Prospero has promised to grant someday. In the meantime, Ariel
serves Prospero loyally, and seems to enjoy the mischievous tricks he pulls on Prospero's
enemies
THEMES http://www.litcharts.com/lit/the-tempest/characters and S. Scarlett

1. Kingship/Governance and Usurpation

Prospero fails in his duties to Milan by neglecting his stately duties for personal gratification of
his desire for knowledge and supernatural power His brother to whom he delegates authority to
run the state assumes the post permanently by seeking to kill his brother and niece.

Ariel makes Gonzalo and Alonso fall asleep. As they sleep, Antonio slyly presents a murder plot
to Sebastian. Since Ferdinand is almost definitely dead, Antonio says, Alonso's death would
make Sebastian King of Naples. Sebastian is drawn in, remembering how Antonio overthrew his
own brother. He hesitates a bit, though, asking Antonio if his conscience bothers him for what he
did to Prospero. Antonio dismisses the question.

2. Colonization and Utopias

Gonzalo talks and explains how he would govern such an island if he were king. He envisions
people dwelling in a completely agrarian society, without leaders or language, where everyone
lives in harmony, peace, and plenty. "All things in common nature should produce without sweat
or endeavor," he says (2.1.144157). He elaborates this utopian vision
while Antonio and Sebastian continue their snide commentary

3. Colonization Freedom and Enslavement

Ariel is an enslaved spirit, imprisoned by Sycorax in a tree for 12 years and freed by Prospero.
Ariel now has to serve Prospero enslavement does not embitter or change him but he remains
himself enthusiastic, optimistic and loyal.

4. Sibling rivalry

Antonio and Prospero

Sebastian and Alonso