|
A summary of recurring themes in The Tempest.
Love
How many types of love can you find? Lover to lover, father to daughter,
master to servant etc. Why are all of these included in the play?
Magic
The plot in The Tempest is dependent almost entirely upon supernatural
powers. The destiny of all the characters is a result, not of decisions
or actions, but of supernatural intervention. During Shakespeare's
time people believed in magic, particularly when there was less
natural explanation for events. The island has strong association
with the supernatural - Prospero discovered his magical powers on
arriving on the island and they disappeared when he left it.
God and humanity
Is the play an allegory? Is Prospero God? What does it all mean?
Power
Having power does not give Prospero total satisfaction and he cannot
change the nature of the island's natural inhabitants, Ariel and
Caliban. There is also a strong desire for power demonstrated by
Antonio, Sebastian, Stephano and Trinculo.
New and old world
The new world of the island and the old world of Naples. Why does
Miranda refer to the old world as 'O brave new world'?
Nature vs. nurture
What do we learn from life and what are we born with? Has Prospero
managed to change Caliban?
Reconciliation
Is Prospero fully reconciled to his brother? Is Antonio reconciled
to Prospero? Caliban to Prospero? What other relationships are seemingly
reconciled which are questionable once away from the island?
The tempest
The tempest as a storm encompasses both a physical and a spiritual
presence. The theme of a storm has been used by many religions including
Christianity, as a symbol in readings, imagery and sermons.
Play within a play
The use of the masque creates a performance within a performance.
The island can also be seen as a stage with Prospero as Stage Manager.
|
