The Tempest by William Shakespeare ENG 273: World Literature

William Shakespeare Approx. 1564-1616 Born in Stratford-upon-Avon in England Perhaps the most well-known and influential English poet and playwright Most well-known plays written 1589-1613 Tragedies, Comedies, Histories Globe Theater in London

The Play Written between 1610 and 1611 Published in 1623 Believed to be the last play written by Shakespeare Complexity of themes, characterizations, and stage directions shows the full range of Shakespeare’s talents

Key Characters On the island From the Shipwreck Prospero – sorcerer Miranda – Prospero’s daughter Ariel - spirit Caliban – slave (son of Sycorax) From the Shipwreck From Naples Alonso – the king Sebastian – the king’s brother Ferdinand – the king’s son Trinculo – the king’s jester Stephano – the king’s steward From Milan Antonio – Prospero’s brother Gonzalo

The Plot Prospero and his daughter Miranda are exiled to an isolated island Caliban is a native of the island and serves as their slave A great storm shipwrecks a group of men on the island The men include Prospero’s allies and enemies Three plots: Rebellion by Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano Romance between Miranda and Ferdinand Revenge by Prospero against his brother and the other conspirators

From Stage to Screen Does changing “Prospero” to “Prospera” impact the story? Why or why not? In what ways did the characters’ costumes influence your understanding of the personalities? In what ways did filming on location on a real island influence the interpretation of the play? Did the special effects improve the “magic” of the story or did they seem distracting? Was the film able to convey the story in the same way as a staged play? What was different? Is the adaptation successful? Why or why not?

Key Themes Nature versus Nurture Different Types of Magic Learned and Wondrous Prospero Untamed and Horrific Sycorax Otherworldly Ariel Slavery/Imprisonment versus Freedom Betrayal versus Loyalty Punishment versus Mercy Colonialism Power of Language