Play Drama

The Tempest
Author Year Written Original Language
William Shakespeare c. 1611 English

THEMES & MOTIFS

Shipwrecked! Set on a magical island inhabited by elf-like sprites and monsters, The
Tempest is the story of the magician Prospero and his revenge against
the brother who once stole his dukedom. As Shakespeare's final play, it
is also the playwright's farewell performance, in which he, like Prospero,
relinquishes the magical power of the stage.

Magic of Theater Power & Exploitation

Prospero's plays, just Political and magical power
like dreams, must come merge on the island, and the
to an end. powerful often exploit the weak.

Music Servants

Ariel's music is among Servant-master

the mysterious "noises" relationships of many
of the island, enchanting varieties are the
the castaways. defining relationships
of the play.

Drowning Forgiveness &

Restoration
Drowning—in water or in
drink—signifies change Prospero finally forgives those
and rebirth. who wronged him and asks
for divine mercy.

Symbols

Sleep & Dreams Magic Books Tempest

Prospero reflects on humanity Prospero's books symbolize The storm represents
as an elaborate dream, and Shakespeare's use of Prospero's power—
viewers know Shakespeare’s language and the magic especially his power
characters are just that. of theater. over nature.

Main Characters
Family Master/Servant Married

Antonio Ariel
Prospero's conniving Prospero's faithful
brother; Duke of Milan servant

Miranda
Prospero's meek
daughter
Caliban
Prospero's grudging
servant

Prospero
Master of the island;
former Duke of Milan

Stephano & Trinculo

Ferdinand
Alonso's butler and jester
Alonso's son; falls
in love with Miranda

Alonso
Mercenary king
of Naples

Author The Tempest

by the Numbers

1 3
Days in which The Tempest "Men of Sin" who conspire to
takes place take Prospero's dukedom

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
1564–1616

English writer William Shakespeare is

perhaps best known as one of the
finest playwrights in history, but he
was also an actor. Intimately familiar
with the illusion of theater, his final
1609 35
play pays tribute to his roles as both
Year the ship Sea Venture Leagues Stephano claims
orchestrator and performer of this
wrecked on Bermuda, he swam to get to shore
theatrical magic.
possibly inspiring The
Tempest

e are such stuff / As dreams are

made on, and our little life / Is
rounded with a sleep.
Prospero, Act IV, Scene I

Sources: Biography.com, British Library, Folger Shakespeare

Library, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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