In act 4, scene 1, Prospero has Ariel conjure a masque, meant to impress Ferdinand, who is soon to wed Miranda. Prospero wants to emphasize for his son-in-law the serious side of marriage as a social contract and part of the divine order.

Why did Prospero conduct the masque?

Besides this, Prospero conducts the whole play as a masque, or a series of mini-masques. He employs many spirits as his actors – often disguised as creatures such as hounds – and Ariel is his star. Prospero uses these masques to get the attention of his audience in order to teach them a lesson in karma (Holland 311).

What is the purpose of the masque in The Tempest?

It is written in rhymed verse. Its aim is to celebrate marriage in high society. Dances, songs, and choruses are present in the masque. According to some critics, the structure of The Tempest is greatly influenced by the masque.