1. Act One Scene One What is the dramatic effect of starting with the storm? Many critics see the storm as a representation of the selfishness and corruption at all levels in society. What evidence can you find to support this? What do we learn about the following characters: Alonzo, Gonzalo, Antonio, Sebastian? How are we made aware of the social hierarchy on the ship? How is this affected by the storm? What dramatic and linguistic devices does Shakespeare use to create a sense of chaos? What imagery is used in the scene and how does this affect the overall atmosphere? AO2 – language, structure and form

2. Read the critical essay “conjuring up a storm” and highlight the key ideas What points does Neil Bowen make about: - the use of rhythm - the creation of tone - the disruption of normal social status - the symbolism of the waves “roarers” AO2 – language, structure and form AO3 – alternative interpretations

3. Context What points does Neil Bowen make about the Great Chain of Being? Give two examples of laws that meant that a Jacobean audience would be much more aware of social hierarchy than an audience today. Now consider the fact that the play was first performed at the Court of King James I in the autumn of 1611. Why else might Shakespeare have written a play about the Great Chain of Being (e.g. think about the Gunpowder Plot in 1605) AO4 - context