The Tempest Lesson Plan

At the plays conclusion, Prospero forgives all of the characters who conspired to murder King Alonso and himself? Was this wise of Prospero? Should he have punished the conspirators?

Points that students might raise include, but are not limited to:

• Prospero appears to find it difficult to forgive the conspirators (particularly Antonio) but does it anyway. He appears to consider this the wisest option, even though it causes him distress.
• Forgiving the conspirators may be the best way to return all the characters to a state of normalcy.
• It may seem unfair to the students that five characters are involved in conspiracies to murder two characters (who are a king and a duke)...