Act 1, Scene 2 (Lines 375-501)

Miranda and Ferdinand

Ariel sings and plays music which leads Ferdinand in. Prospero and Miranda stare at him. Miranda is filled with wonder because she has never seen another man (besides Caliban and her father, Prospero). She instantly falls in love. Ferdinand also appears to be in love – he inquires about Miranda’s virginity and expresses his desire to make her the Queen of Naples.

It is revealed that Ferdinand is the Prince of Naples. Prospero is happy that they are so taken with each other but he decides that they must not fall in love too quickly. Therefore, he treats Ferdinand unkindly. He calls him a liar and threatens to imprison him. Ferdinand draws his sword but Prospero charms him so that he cannot move. Miranda pleads with her father to have mercy on Ferdinand but he responds harshly. He tells her that this man is no better than Caliban, compared to other men and that she does not know any better. Prospero leads Ferdinand to his imprisonment and secretly thanks Ariel for his help. Ariel is sent on another errand.