Act II

Scene I
Gonzalo observes the positive things that they have to be thankful for including their lives, the beautiful scenery on the island and the pleasant climate. At this, his companions laugh and poke fun suggesting what Gonzalo has found to be thankful for is insignificant when compared to their situation. After much

jesting by the  others over his these  remarks, Gonzalo makes the curious  observation that his clothing is “as fresh as the first day [he] wore it” despite having been tossed in the waves and  washed up on shore just a short time ago. With this remark he also mentions Alonso ’s daughter who Alonso believes he will never see again. Alonso also expresses the belief that his son, Ferdinand, has surely drowned to which Francisco offers evidence otherwise claiming to have seen Ferdinand alive and making his way to shore.

The men continue to bicker about the political implications of the wreck as a result of the loss of Alonso and his progeny until Gonzalo offers his own ideas about the way society should be structured. He suggests that no citizen should have to work and that everything that is needed would be provided by nature. The men laugh at this as well.

Later, Gonzalo, Alonso, Adrian, and Francisco fall asleep. Sebastian and Antonio plan to murder Alonso and Gonzalo in their sleep in order that Sebastian will take Alonso's place as King of Naples, should they ever escape the island. This plan is thwarted by Ariel who steps in just in time to prevent the murder and keep Prospero’s plans for the men afloat.



Scene II


The scene opens with Caliban carrying wood back to Prospero’s cell when he hears Trinculo coming  <span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:11.5pt;line-height:150%;">toward him and suspects him to be one of Prospero’s spirits sent to harass him. Caliban drops to the ground covered in his cloak in hopes that whatever it is will pass without bothering him. Instead, Trinculo, who speaks of rain, notices Caliban’s figure on the ground and decides to crawl under the cloak with him. Following these amusing events, Stephano, who is very drunk, stumbles upon the two of them. Trinculo and Stephano recognize each other and are reunited. Quickly, under the impression that he will be free from Prospero's control, Caliban swears himself to Stephano, and promises to show him the island.

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