Question

Referring closely, to Act III Scene III, relate the stern warning of Ariel to the "three men of sin". What impact does his warning have on the three sinners?

Answer 1

In Act III, Scene III of "The Tempest," Ariel delivers a stern warning to the "three men of sin" - Alonso, Sebastian, and Antonio. This warning has a profound impact on the three sinners, marking a crucial moment in the play's development. Positioned high above the stage, Prospero observes with satisfaction the consequences of his spells on those who conspired against him twelve years ago. After the shipwreck, the guilty ones, including Old Gonzalo, have been wandering in the enchanted island's pathless wilderness, searching for the missing Ferdinand.

The magical sequence takes the form of a masque of hospitality, resembling an episode from Virgil's Aeneid. Ariel, appearing as a harpy, explains the significance of the disrupted harmony, fellowship, and natural order symbolized by the ceremonial banquet. This disruption is attributed to the 'three men of sin,' and Ariel insists they must recognize the magnitude of their offenses. The injury to Prospero is portrayed as an affront to the entire scheme of things, making them unfit to live amongst men. They have been rejected and vomited up by the sea.

Ariel's warning leaves the sinners with only one hope - repentance and a change in their ways, marked by 'heart's sorrow' and the pursuit of a clear life. Prospero commends Ariel for the harpy performance and departs, leaving the sinners to grapple with the fearsome accusation. Alonso acknowledges his guilt, expressing it as monstrous. Sebastian and Antonio remain defiant, while Gonzalo, despite unclear understanding, appears to comprehend the gravity of the situation. The impact of Ariel's warning sets the stage for potential redemption and self-reflection among the 'three men of sin.'