The Log Scene

Act 3 Scene 1 – Key Scene

In this scene Ferdinand is piling up all the logs as Prospero has commanded him. He says he puts up with this task because he wants to see Miranda again. Miranda interrupts him and tries to make him stop so that he can talk to her instead. Prospero secretly watches them and is delighted they have fallen in love.

You can take a look at an extract from this scene and watch it in performance here. Using these steps, remember to look at it line by line and if you’re looking at the scene for the first time don’t worry if you don’t understand everything at once.

• Look

  Take a look at the scene. How are the two characters’ lines different from each other? Actors at the RSC often put the language into their own words to help them understand what they are saying. We’ve added some definitions (in green), questions (in red) and paraphrased some sections (in blue) to help with this. You can click on the text that is highlighted for extra guidance.

  Close

  Miranda

  Alas, now pray you,
  Work not so hard. I would the lightning had
  Burnt up those logs that you are enjoined to pile.
  Pray, set it down and rest you: when this burns
  ’Twill weep for having wearied you.
  My father Is hard at study: pray now, rest yourself,
  He’s safe for these three hours.

  Close

  Stop working so hard. If only the lightning in the storm had burned all those logs you wouldn’t be forced to pile them up.

  Close

  How often do you think Miranda has disobeyed her father before now? What gives you that impression?

  Ferdinand

  O most dear mistress,
  The sun will set before I shall discharge
  What I must strive to do.

  Close

  It will be sunset before I have finished what I have to do.

  Miranda

  If you’ll sit down,
  I’ll bear your logs the while: pray give me that,
  I’ll carry it to the pile.

  Ferdinand

  No, precious creature,
  I had rather crack my sinews, break my back,
  Than you should such dishonour undergo,
  While I sit lazy by.

  Close

  Why do you think Ferdinand does not want Miranda to help him carry the logs? What impression does his language give of him as a character?

  Miranda

  It would become me
  As well as it does you; and I should do it
  With much more ease, for my good will is to it,
  And yours it is against.

  Close

  There is often a visual joke in productions at this moment where Miranda easily picks up a heavy log that Ferdinand had struggled with. What impression would this give of Ferdinand and of Prospero's power?

  Prospero

  Poor worm, thou art infected.
  This visitation shows it.

  Close

  How do you think Prospero feels as he spies on his daughter with Ferdinand?

  Miranda

  You look wearily.

  Ferdinand

  No, noble mistress, ’tis fresh morning with me
  When you are by at night. I do beseech you,
  Chiefly that I might set it in my prayers,
  What is your name?

  Close

  When you are with me, I feel as refreshed as though it is first thing in the morning

  Miranda

  Miranda.— O my father,
  I have broke your hest to say so.

  Close

  Command.

  Ferdinand

  Admired Miranda,
  Indeed the top of admiration, worth
  What’s dearest to the world!

  Close

  Ferdinand plays on Miranda’s name, starting by calling her 'Admired Miranda' and then combining the two words to make 'admiration'. What does Ferdinand's use of words reveal about him?

  (Text edited for rehearsals by Gregory Doran)
• Watch

  Read the scene aloud, then watch the actors trying it in different ways. Which way feels right? What in the language makes you think that? Are there any words or lines that really stand out? At the end of the film you will see their final performance. How do the characters come across in this?

  

  Play Scene in rehearsal and performance
• Imagine

  Explore some images from past versions of Ferdinand and Miranda at the RSC. Which sets and costume choices feel right to you?