The motive of Antonio’s subjugation over his brother is also explained sub-textually. Shakespeare never states specifically, but it is suggested towards the end of this scene when Antonio’s pure ambition and lack of conscience is expressed. The audience could have believed that he had honest intention beforehand, as maybe he took Prospero’s position as he was neglecting his duty, but this scene proves differently. Although him and Sebastian both share the same sardonic cynicism, with Antonio it conceals an underlying cunning and manipulative nature, unseen and unheard of formerly.
“O, If you but knew how you the purpose cherish
Whiles thus you mock it!”
Sebastian on the other hand, displays a weaker disposition and so Antonio grasps the opportunity to use this to his advantage and use him for his own personal gain, giving an element of suspense to this scene as the act is not completed. It is important that each scene has a certain element of this, as if it seems that nothing is to happen, the audience will loose interest. Antonio has not changed at all from 12 years ago when we were first informed of him, unlike Alonso.
Even before we saw too much of these characteristics in Alonso, we were made aware that his conscience would be guilty if he had one, as sleep is another major theme in ‘The Tempest’ and is used in this scene with great significance. Prospero sent Ariel to put the Court Party to sleep, using it as a judge of character owing to the trend in Shakespeare that those susceptible to music or sleep are of a better nature, and those who are not have guilty minds.
One of the main themes of the play is remorse and redemption, and starting points for these issues are founded in this scene, mainly in Alonso. In Prospero’s account of his overthrow, he paints a picture of a very different man to which we see. He called him “Enemy” and yet when his son is then lost on the island he decides to dedicate his time on the island to finding him, showing none of the selfishness present in many of the other characters, differentiating him from Antonio with which he was associated in the Prospero’s narrative. I believe that this is dramatically significant because no convincing character has only one side to them, and so seeing both enables us to react as though he is not just a fictional personality. This is also shown in Gonzalo, where he is introduced properly to the audience. He is spoken of extremely highly by Prospero and referred to as “Noble Gonzalo” and describing him in such favour that Miranda replies “Would I might But ever see that man”. In this scene however he is made a laughing stock by Sebastian and Antonio, repeatedly gives wrong information and in an attempt to cheer up the king, “comforts like cold porridge”.
The first half of the scene involves a lot of characters, as the majority of the Court Party are present which would make quite a crowded stage. There are no monologues and everything said is said to the whole group. This is significant as it highlights how Antonio and Sebastian behave differently in public to how they do in private, s the second half of the scene is just that. The court party are aware of their sarcasm and distaste to what anyone has to say, they may not realise the dark intentions they have or what they are capable of. The conversation becomes more private and intimate giving a contrast to the open conversational exchanges witnessed at the beginning of the scene. This section also makes a slight distinction between Antonio and Sebastian as mentioned previously, as Sebastian does not agree right away nor does he think of the idea himself. I think it is important to do this as otherwise it may be seen that Sebastian has the same scheming, overly-ambitious mind as Antonio, which is not the case.
The language of the scene helps highlight the main and most important sections, and in some cases, uncovering the intentions of the characters. Gonzalo begins in blank verse to show his idealistic view on ho they could start a utopia on the island, giving way to prose which adopt a more serious tone, as Alonso brings the attention back to his missing son. Antonio’s quick mind is shown through his language when convincing Sebastian to become king. He starts off using informal prose, but then changes his language to blank verse to show his meticulousness and deliberate choice of words. This trait was also noted by Prospero in Act 1 Scene 2 where he clamed that “set all hearts...to what tune pleas'd his ear”.
