Tempest

Part 1:

For this assignment, respond to the three of the prompts below. Each prompt should have a response of at least, 1 page. So, clearly label what you are responding to, formulate a clear argument with evidence from the text, and make the full assignment between 3-5 pages.

Prospero as Autobiography: At three certain points in the play (4.1.148, 5.1.50, Epilogue), Prospero speaks of his life and his art in a way that suggests he is giving up and moving on. Read those passages and analyze how this could be interpreted as Shakespeare saying his farewell to theatre and his playwriting.

Class Issues: Gonzalo, Antonio, and Sebastian are totally rude to the Boatswain and sailors at the top of the play. Stephano and Trinculo are treated as complete idiots during the play. What is your take on this class representation? Do we believe that Shakespeare is reinforcing classist ideas?

Postcolonial Interpretation: In more recent years, scholars have turned their attention to the characters of Ariel and, specifically Caliban. The island of the play is clearly in the Mediterranean given the joint references to Tunis and Naples. However, a number of references give an understanding of the island an association with the New World or the colonizing efforts recently begun at that time in Africa. There are a few veiled references to Indians and native peoples. What are we to make of an interpretation such as this? Prospero is a white Italian who comes to this land and essentially enslaves the people and bends them to his will. Is Caliban a monster or is he merely being ruthlessly treated by Prospero? How long has Ariel been kept in bondage? Does Prospero have power outside of what he takes from the native inhabitants of the island? It’s curious to wonder if Shakespeare meant this interpretation to be seen or if he was really just reflecting bias understandings of native peoples.

Setting of the Play: As mentioned in the above topic, this island should be in the Mediterrnaean, but the references seem to make it more exotic. Flesh this out a bit more. What gives it a New World or, at least, not Old World feel? What references/treatments lend a different interpretation? Twelfth Night also begins after a shipwreck, but the Illyria that Viola finds herself in is a lot different than the island of The Tempest. Explore this idea.

Authority & Power: Alonso is the King. But he was hoodwinked by Antonio when the latter stole the dukedom of Milan away from Prospero. In addition, he is about to be murdered by his brother Sebastian during the play. Prospero was a terrible ruler of Milan by his own admission. At the end of the play, Gonzalo thanks the gods for the miracle coming together of everything, when he should know (and the audience definitely does) that it was no god(s), but just Prospero. What do we think Shakespeare is saying about power and authority? This was a time of monarchical power with King James ruling strongly. But is it poking cracks in divine authority versus human rule? What are your thoughts?

Part 2:

1. The Tempest could easily have been staged at the Blackfriars or The Globe. It could also have been as extravagant as the Early Modern stage could afford or it could easily have still been done with little effects. Spend some time discussing what this play would have required to make it understandable to an Early Modern audience, but also what could be modernized to utilize more contemporary stage effects. (Make this 2 pages.)

2. For part 1 you answered three of the five prompts I outlined in the Assignment descriiption. For the last part of this play response, address the last two prompts. Make this part 2-3 pages