After the opening scene of the play, the second scene is of great importance and is an integral part of it. Ferdinand is brought on the scene by Ariel. He follows Ariel’s charming song which refers to his drowned father, and thus comes within the view of Prospero and Miranda. Prospero points him out to Miranda. On seeing the handsome young man, Miranda expresses her unfeigned admiration for him. Ferdinand too is charmed by the beauty and grace of the young lady. Prospero is glad to see that they exchange glances.

In this very first meeting with Miranda, Ferdinand is so deeply charmed by the untouched beauty of the maiden that he offers to make Miranda, the Queen of Naples, since Ferdinand is the heir of his father, who, he believes has drowned in the tempest. Prospero, however, wants to be sure about Ferdinand’s claim that he is the King of Naples, and calls him a traitor and spy and bids him to follow. On being insulted to this degree Ferdinand draws his sword, but finds himself unable to lift it.

Miranda, who has fallen in love with Ferdinand at first sight, begs her father not to be hard with him. Prospero discourages her admiration for Ferdinand and sternly bids her to keep her mouth shut. But Miranda declares that she has no ambition to see a ‘goodlier man’. Ferdinand submits to Prospero’s biddings by saying;

“Might I but through my prison once a day Behold this maid. All corners else O ’the ’ earth Let liberty make use of- space enough Have I in such a prison ”

Though Prospero apparently looks very strict while treating Ferdinand, he actually tests the strength of Ferdinand’s love for Miranda, because Prospero is also a father with a tender heart for his daughter, his “Cherubin.”