Overview of Shakespeare's "The Tempest

May 8, 2024

Class Notes on Shakespeare's "The Tempest"

Summary

"The Tempest" is one of the last plays written by William Shakespeare, around 1611. This play, intermingling elements of both tragedy and comedy, revolves around the story of Prospero, a magician and the rightful Duke of Milan, who uses his powers to bring his enemies to the mystic island he inhabits in order to exact his revenge and reclaim his dukedom. The story leverages themes of magic, betrayal, love, and forgiveness.

Key Points from the Lecture

Background and Context

  • "The Tempest" is written by William Shakespeare around 1611.
  • It is among Shakespeare's final works, succeeded only by "Henry VIII" and "The Two Noble Kinsmen."
  • The play could have been inspired by a letter from shipwreck survivor William Strachey.

Plot and Characters

  1. Prospero:

    • A former Duke of Milan and a skilled magician.
    • Father to Miranda.
    • Uses his magic to create the storm and manipulates events on the island.

  2. Miranda:

    • Daughter of Prospero, unaware of her past until revealed by her father.
    • Falls in love with Ferdinand.

  3. Ariel:

    • A spirit of the island, servant to Prospero.
    • Plays a pivotal role in executing Prospero’s commands.

  4. Caliban:

    • The original inhabitant of the island, son of the witch Sycorax.
    • Despises Prospero and plots to kill him.

  5. Antonio and Sebastian:

    • Antonio is Prospero’s brother who usurped his dukedom.
    • Sebastian is Alonso’s brother, who plots to kill him.

  6. Alonso:

    • The King of Naples.
    • Father to Ferdinand.

  7. Ferdinand:

    • Son of Alonso.
    • Believed dead but falls in love with Miranda.

  8. Gonzalo:

    • An honest and loyal counselor to Alonso.
    • Helped Prospero and Miranda escape death.

Themes and Symbols

  • Magic and Illusion:
    • Prospero's magic is central, controlling the play’s events and symbolizing the illusion of theater.
  • Betrayal and Loyalty:
    • The usurpation of Prospero’s position by Antonio and the contrasting loyalty of Gonzalo.
  • Forgiveness and Repentance:
    • Prospero’s eventual forgiveness of his enemies and renunciation of magic reflect themes of repentance and reconciliation.

Major Plot Points

  • Prospero creates a tempest to shipwreck his enemies on the island.
  • Reveals his past and reasons for his actions to Miranda.
  • Manipulates the shipwrecked party’s movements and perceptions through Ariel.
  • Confronts and forgives his enemies, and decides to return to Milan, forsaking his magical powers.
  • Plans for Miranda’s and Ferdinand's marriage as a symbol of reconciliation and political alliance.

Climax and Resolution

  • Alonso and the other nobles are led to remorse and reconciliation.
  • Ferdinand and Miranda’s betrothal is approved by Prospero.
  • Prospero promises to return to Naples, abandoning his magical pursuits.

Closing Scene

  • Prospero addresses the audience directly, asking for applause to set him free, metaphorically from his role as a stage character.

This play cross-examines the nature of authority and justice, while also exploring deeper human themes, making it a rich, complex text suitable for analysis on multiple levels.