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The final scene is largely described as only a place where Prospero has drawn a "large circle...with his staff" (147), but it is most likely safe to assume that it is close to his home because a) that is where his books are and thus where he does most of his magic, b) all of the characters are held in places close by, and c) Miranda and Ferdinand are seen playing chess (157), an action that would most likely have taken place at Miranda and Prospero's home. The final scene has more of a symbolic setting than a physical one.
Throughout the play there are two distinct references to places Prospero has Ariel take people until he has the time to deal with them. One of such places is the "filthy-mantled pool beyond [Prospero's] cell" (135)
The King and his followers are "in the line grove which weather-fends your cell" until the final scene (145)
Prospero refers to himself as “master of a full poor cell (13).” Prospero tells of the “rich garments, linens, stuffs, and necessaries…” as well as “...from mine own library...volumes that I prize above my dukedom” that Gonzalo sent with them (23). It is reasonable to assume that these items are now within Prospero and Miranda’s abode.Caliban, and later Ferdinand, gather firewood in service to Prospero, so it is also reasonable to assume that Prospero’s residence has a hearth.
While this action has no specific setting on the island, it is safe to assume it took place somewhere on the road to the final scene destination. This is a significant plot development despite having no set setting because it serves as further evidence of the evil nature of Antonio. (71-75)
While the search party does not have a distinct path, there are several references to surroundings. "Here is a maze trod indeed through fortrights and meanders" (109). This is also the place where Prospero sends Ariel as a Harpy to taunt them with a banquet (111)
Caliban also continuously provides general description of the island. For example, when he pledges his loyalty to Stephano he talks about "where crabs grow" as well as places where "Jay's nest" and "nimble marmoset" creatures live which implies a lush forest exists somewhere on the island
Caliban, speaking to Prospero, says, “...and here you sty me in this hard rock, whiles you do keep from me the rest o’ th’ island (37).” Implying perhaps that Caliban lives in a cave. Later, Miranda compares it to a prison: “...wast thou deservedly confined into this rock, who hadst deserved more than a prison (39).” Caliban's home is also described by Trinculo as having "Neither bush nor shrub to bear off any weather at all" (77).
"My cellar is in a rock by the seaside, where my wine is hid." (85) While the play doesnt distinctly state that this is where the trio of Stephano, Caliban, and Trinculo end up, its most likely safe to assume they spent some span of time here considering their consistent drunkenness.
Photos by Genevieve Voigt
This cove doesn't host much actual plot development, but is the place where the boatswain and crew remain until the end of the play. The ship that was perceived to be destroyed whilst carrying the king and his attendants was actually,"safely in harbor...In the deep nook," until Prospero completed his mission and could return with the rest of the cast to Milan and Naples.
Fernando originally arrives on the island alone which allows for both the plot-lines of his discovery by Prospero and Miranda, and the search party that is the King, Gonzalo, Antonio, and the others. The play specifically talks about him, "In an odd angle of the idlem and sitting, his arms in this sad knot." (27)
Stephano and Trinculo would most likely have washed up on similar beaches, but at different points on the island ("I swam, ere I could recover the sre, five-and-thirty leagues off and on" 99)