English 3012 The Tempest
The Tempest (1611) - Believed to be Shakespeare’s last solo-written play - Not known to be based on any one previous source - First published in First Folio (1623) - May not have been popular in Shakespeare’s lifetime - Very popular in later art and music
Issues - Is Prospero Shakespeare Issues - Is Prospero Shakespeare? - The play is somewhat aware of itself as a play - Aged Prospero “breaks his wand” at the end and says he will retire, after “making fairies and visions” appear on the “island”– the Globe?
Issues - Can a Christian world have magic?
Issues - Bermuda and the Caribbean in Shakespeare’s life - Is depicting Caliban (Cannibal + Caribbean ?) racist? - Post-colonial criticism - Language: The English teach Caliban “how to swear”