Oct 6, 2008

The Tempest | Act IV, Scene 1, lines 1-163 Summary and Analysis

New Characters
Iris: goddess of the rainbow; Juno’s messenger

Ceres: goddess of agriculture

Juno: goddess of the Pantheon; patroness of marriage; wife of Jupiter

Nymphs and Reapers: spirits of the dance

Summary
The scene begins with Ferdinand culminating his trial of log-bearing. Prospero assures him that his austere punishment has simply been a trial of his love for Miranda, and he has “stood the test.” As a reward, Prospero presents him with a “rich gift,” his daughter Miranda. He tells Ferdinand that he will soon realize she will be everything her...