Ferdinand, who is astounded that Miranda is even human, tells her that she is the most amazing woman he has ever encountered: Full many a lady I have eyed with best regard and many a time The harmony of their tongues hath into bondage Brought my too diligent ear: for several virtues Have I liked several women; never any With so full soul, but some defect in her Did quarrel with the noblest grace she owed And put it to the foil: but you, O you, So perfect and so peerless, are created Of every creature's best!
According to plan, Prospero uses Ferdinand's infatuation with Miranda to re-gain power, and eventually take his rightful position as Duke of Milan.
Accusing him of being a spy and traitor, Prospero keeps Ferdinand in isolation and forces him to arbitrarily move logs and large sticks.
Ferdinand displays noble intentions, assuring Prospero that he will not untie Miranda's "virgin knot" until they are formally married.
[2] As Samuel Johnson observed, the play thus ends in "the final happiness of the pair for whom our passions and reason are equally interested.
This scene shows that Ferdinand and Miranda were used to serving as a union of Milan and Naples by Prospero's political aims for resolving his exile.
[4] On the Uranus system, both the irregular moon and the Mirandan crater (located at the Prime Meridian near the equator)[6] are named for the character.