
The Tempest
The Tempest, probably written around 1610 or 1611, is often thought to be the last play Shakespeare wrote alone. Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, has lived for twelve years on a remote island with his daughter Miranda, served by the spirit Ariel and the resentful Caliban. When a ship carrying his treacherous brother Antonio and the King of Naples passes nearby, Prospero raises a storm and brings the travelers ashore, where his magic separates them, tests them and draws Miranda and the king's son Ferdinand together. Mixing comedy, romance, music and masque, the play turns on questions of power, freedom and forgiveness, and ends with Prospero giving up his art. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first act is free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about The Tempest
The Tempest by William Shakespeare can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The Tempest online?
Yes. The Tempest opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The Tempest free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The Tempest is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The Tempest in the public domain?
Yes. The Tempest by William Shakespeare is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The Tempest?
About 1 h 10 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The Tempest?
The Tempest by William Shakespeare is filed under "Drama" in the Vinteuil library.






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