The Tempest: 8. Sea change
The finale. Will Ariel now be free? Will Antonio get what he deserves? Will Ferdinand and Alonso finally be reunited? Will Ferdinand and Miranda marry? What of Caliban? And will Prospero return home, Duke of Milan once more?
The story
Prospero watches the miserable courtiers and decides it is time to forgive. He tells Ariel to bring Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo and then release the crew of the ship from their sleep. Prospero removes his cloak - it disappears; he closes his magic book - it disappears too; then he breaks his magic staff. He is no longer Prospero the magician. Alonso begs forgiveness - which is given - while mourning the loss of his son, Ferdinand. Then FerdinandandMiranda appear arm in arm, with Prospero's permission to marry; next Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo. All the visitors sail away from the island: Caliban can resume his former life and Ariel is free once more.
Characters in this episode
| Name | Who is... |
|---|---|
| Prospero | Soon to be Duke of Milan once more |
| Miranda | Prospero's daughter, soon to be engaged |
| The courtiers | Alonso, Antonio, Sebastian and Gonzalo - all to be forgiven by Prospero |
| Ariel | A sprite of the island and soon to be free |
| Ferdinand | Alonso's son, soon to be engaged |
| Caliban | Half-man, half-sea-creature |
| Stephano | A butler with a sore head |
| Trinculo | A jester, likewise with a sore head |
In the song tutorial
| Timing | Content |
|---|---|
| 00 00 | Listening to the opening section to become familiar with the gospel style. |
| 01 34 | Learning Verse 1, beginning: 'We're gonna walk...' A verse for Miranda and Ferdinand. |
| 02 38 | Learning Verse 2, beginning: 'I'm coming back...' A verse for Prospero. Listen then repeat. At 03 18 putting both verses together. |
| 03 50 | Learning the middle, beginning: 'Was a day...' A verse for a repentant Antonio. Noting the complex rhythm. |
| 05 44 | Learning the chorus, beginning: 'A sea change is coming...' Listening to Carrie, then repeating with the choir. At 06 52 singing the whole chorus. |
| 07 18 | Learning Verse 3, beginning: 'I've seen the light...' The verse has the same melody as Verses 1 and 2. |
| 07 48 | Learning the next two choruses, which introduce typical gospel elements. Noting the changes in dynamics and tempo. |
| 12 11 | Standing to sing 'Sea change' all the way through. |
Story questions
What does Prospero tell Ariel to do at the start of the episode?
To bring Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo to the beach where the courtiers already are; then to release the ships' crew from their sleep
What three things does Prospero do to stop being a magician?
He removes his invisibility cloak; closes his 'science' books full of spells; he breaks his magic staff
How do the courtiers react to Prospero's appearance?
They are amazed and beg forgiveness
What happens to Ferdinand and Miranda?
They appeaer arm in arm - they are engaged
What finally happens to Caliban and Ariel?
They will remain on the island - both of them now free again to do as they choose
Resources
![]()
Teacher's Notes
Guidance on all the content (pdf)
![]()
Lyrics - Sea change
Download / print the lyrics (pdf)
![]()
Music - Sea change
Download / print the music (pdf)
![]()
Pupils' pamphlet
Lyric sheets and activities (pdf)
