The Tempest, Act 2, Scene 1
Enter Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, Gonzalo, Adrian and Francisco. Gonzalo expresses his relief that they have all been saved. Witty and boardy repartee is exchanged between the men. They then lament the loss of their families and fear they will never see them again.
Gonzalo explains that if he were to rule an island such as this, he would make everyone equal; he would not allow there to be a king and therefore there would be no treason. The other men laugh at him.
Ariel plays solemn music and the men grow tired except for Sebastian and Antonio. Antonio has a vision of a crown dropping on Sebastian’s head. Sebastian thinks it is strange and questions Antonio. Antonio goes on to say that he believes that Ferdinand is drowned and that the heir to the throne Claribel is not fit. Sebastian then reminds Antonio that he usurped his own brother and asks him if he feels guilty about it. He says that he doesn’t and they agree to plot to kill Gonzalo and Alonso.
With swords drawn, Ariel wakes Gonzalo warning him of the danger. Gonzalo asks Sebastian why his sword is drawn and he makes an excuse, Gonzalo resolves to stay on his guard.
The Tempest, Act 2, Scene 2
Enter Caliban feeling victimised by Prospero and talking of the spirits set upon him by his master. Caliban hides as Trinculo enters believing him to be another of Prospero’s evil spirits. Trinculo discovers him, at first believing him to be a fish and then realising that he is an islander.
Stefano comes in drunk and also discovers Caliban; he suggests taming Caliban and taking him to Naples to sell him. Stefano gives Caliban some of his drink.
Trinculo, who is hiding, suddenly recognizes Stefano’s voice and is surprised that he survived. They both celebrate and have a drink. Caliban overtaken by liquor kneels to them believing Stefano to be a worthy master. Trinculo aside, talks of Caliban’s foolishness and naivety for wanting to serve a drunkard. Caliban believes he will be free with his new master and resolves never to serve Prospero again.
Top Quotes from The Tempest, Act 2
The second act of The Tempest drips in beautiful language – it is after all considered to be Shakespeare’s most magical play. Here, we bring you some of the best quotes from The Tempest, Act 2.
- "All things in common nature should produce
Without sweat or endeavour."
The Tempest, Act 2, Scene 1 - "As this Gonzalo; I myself could make
A chough of as deep chat. O, that you bore
The mind that I do, what a sleep were this
For your advancement! Do you understand me?"
The Tempest, Act 2, Scene 1 - "My lord Sebastian,
The truth you speak doth lack some gentleness,
And time to speak it in - you rub the sore
When you should bring the plaster."
The Tempest, Act 2, Scene 1 - "Four legs and two voices; a most delicate monster!"
The Tempest, Act 2, Scene 2 - "I'll show thee the best springs; I'll pluck thee berries;
I'll fish for thee, and get thee wood enough.
A plague upon the tyrant I serve!
I'll bear him no more sticks, but follow thee,
thou wondrous man."
The Tempest, Act 2, Scene 2 - "Were I in England now, as I once was, and had but this fish painted, not a holiday-fool there but would give a piece of silver. There would this monster make a man--any strange beast there makes a man. When they will not give a doit to relieve a lame beggar, they will lay out ten to see a dead Indian."
The Tempest, Act 2, Scene 2
