The Tempest: 4. Toledo steel
King Alonso of Naples and his old advisor, Gonzalo, are asleep. Antonio (who is Prospero's brother) and Sebastian (who is Alonso's brother) are awake and plotting to kill them - with Toledo steel!
The story
While Ariel leads Ferdinand up to the cave Prospero visits the courtiers - still wearing his invisibility cloak. The courtiers are tired and hungry. Prospero casts a sleeping spell on them but allows Sebastian and Antonio to remain awake. Almost immediately Antonio is up to his tricks, trying to persuade Sebastian to make himself king by killing Alonso while he sleeps. Sebastian suggests that such and act would actually make Ferdinand king...but Alonso reminds him that Ferdinand is missing, presumed drowned. Antonio undoes a case and shows Sebastian a knife...one made from Toledo steel.
Characters in this episode
| Name | Who is... |
|---|---|
| Prospero | Once Duke of Milan - usurped by his brother, Antonio |
| Ariel | A sprite of the island and Prospero's helper |
| Ferdinand | King Alonso's rather feeble son |
| Alonso | King of Naples and father of Ferdinand |
| Antonio | Prospero's brother - the usurper |
| Sebastian | Brother of Alonso and friend to Antonio |
| Gonzalo | An old, faithful friend to Prospero - gave Prospero his books to take into exile |
In the song tutorial
| Timing | Content |
|---|---|
| 00 00 | Listening to the opening section of the song to become familiar with the style and the mood. |
| 01 22 | Learning the chorus, beginning: 'Toledo, Toledo...' Noting that the chorus has two parts: an upper part and a lower one. Beginning with the upper. |
| 03 10 | Learning the harmony section of the chorus in two groups, which also begins: 'Toledo, Toledo...' but has a falling pattern. At 04 12 putting the two parts of the chorus together. Noting that the repeat of 'Toledo, Toledo...' is an octave lower. |
| 07 12 | Learning the rap, beginning: 'Let me tell you how...' Listening a line at a time and then repeating. At 07 55 dividing into two groups to rap alternate lines. At 10 13 singing the rap right through in two groups. |
| 11 00 | Standing up to sing 'Toledo steel' all the way through. |
Story questions
What spell does Prospero cast?
He casts a sleeping spell - Alonso and Gonzalo go to sleep, but Antonio and Sebastian are allowed to stay awake
What does Antonio suggest to Sebastian?
That he could become King of Naples if Alonso was to have 'a little accident'
How does Sebastian reply?
That what Antonio says is not strictly true - since Ferdinand would actually succeed his father as king
What encourages Sebastian to go along with Antonio's plan?
The thought that Antonio himself has not suffered by his treatment of Prospero
Where has Antonio's knife been manufactured?
In Toledo, Spain - Toledo was famed for making steel of very high quality, going back to Roman times
Resources
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Teacher's Notes
Guidance on all content (pdf)
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Lyrics - Toledo steel
Download / print the lyrics (pdf)
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Music - Toledo steel
Download / print the music (pdf)
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Pupils' pamphlet
Lyrics sheets and activities (pdf)
