The Tempest Act III

The most important speech in Act three would have to be Scene 2, lines 53-82. In this passage Ariel has appeared as a spirit to these several men in order torment them as well as make them aware of why they are on the island. Up until this point in the play, everyone is under the assumption that they are tragically misplaced on the island out of misfortune or fate. Ariel comes and dispute this notion by telling them directly that their actions has caused their misfortune, calling them, “You ‘mongst men being most unfit to live”(57-8). He also calls them fools, telling them that the spirits are ministers of fate. What is most important is his mentioning of Prospero, which lets them know that he has something to do with their situation.

The second most important speech in Act three is in Scene 1, lines 1-15. In this speech Ferdinand is reflecting on his enforced servitude to Prospero. He says that there are types of labor that are difficult but the rewards of it make it worth doing. He states that Miranda is his delight in his hard labor. “The mistress which I serve quickens what’s dead and makes my labors pleasures” in lines 6-7. It is easier for Ferdinand to be a servant when imagining he is serving to Miranda rather than Prospero. This speech is important because it demonstrates not only Ferdinand’s undying love for Miranda but also his hate of her father.

I would consider the final speech in scene 2 to be the least important. In this scene, Caliban is assuring Stefano to not be afraid of the noises and sounds heard on the island, and that is is common to hear such things. This speech demonstrates how isolated and insane that Caliban has become, since he finds unseen noises to be completely normal.