The Tempest The Divine Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line). Line numbers correspond to the 2008 Norton edition.

Quote #1

MARINERS
All lost! To prayers, to prayers! All lost! (1.1.52)

This is a particularly interesting moment. It makes sense that the mariners would call everyone to prayers, either to save the ship or their souls, but the very storm they suffer through is Prospero's doing.  It seems the stage is set for Prospero's magic to be at odds with divine forces.

Quote #2

PROSPERO
O, a cherubin
Thou wast that did preserve me. Thou didst smile,
Infusèd with a fortitude from heaven, 
When I have decked the sea with drops full salt,
Under my burden groaned, which raised in me
An undergoing stomach, to bear up
Against what should ensue. (1.2.182-188)

Even Prospero, who at the time of his exile no doubt had some grasp of his art, found strength in Miranda, who seemed "infused with the fortitude of heaven." This is Prospero's own rejoinder—he doesn't work against the divine, but is subject to and inspired by it.

Quote #3

MIRANDA
How came we ashore? 
PROSPERO
By providence divine. (1.2.189-190)

Even if you know magic, some things are just dumb luck—or divine intervention.