There is plenty of humours in The Tempest written by William Shakespeare. His comic genius is amply illustrated here. The humour in this play is rather crude. Here much of the humour is farcial, However, we have some real wit in some of the remarks of Gonzalo, Antonio and Sebastian. 

In the very beginning scene, Gonzalo pokes fun at the boatswain by saying that the boatswain’s very face shows that he would die not by drowning but by hanging on the gallows. Gonzalo says that there is no drowning mark upon the boatswain’s face, and the boatswain’s very complexion is perfect gallows. Gonzalo makes another witty remark when he says that he would like to die a dry death, and that he would gladly give a thousand furlongs of sea in exchange for an acre of barren ground. Antonio and Sebastian show their wit by making fun of Gonzalo. In a running commentary, they mock and scoff at the old lord Gonzalo who means no harm to anybody and who excites the jealousy of these two men by his sheer goodness. 

The main source of humour in this play is the drunken behavior of Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo. But in this case Trinculo makes a remarks which are really witty. 

Bring out the comic elements in the play, The Tempest.

Green Land | September 18, 2024 | 0 comments

There is plenty of humours in The Tempest written by William Shakespeare. His comic genius is amply illustrated here. The humour in this play is rather crude. Here much of the humour is farcial, However, we have some real wit in some of the remarks of Gonzalo, Antonio and Sebastian. 

In the very beginning scene, Gonzalo pokes fun at the boatswain by saying that the boatswain’s very face shows that he would die not by drowning but by hanging on the gallows. Gonzalo says that there is no drowning mark upon the boatswain’s face, and the boatswain’s very complexion is perfect gallows. Gonzalo makes another witty remark when he says that he would like to die a dry death, and that he would gladly give a thousand furlongs of sea in exchange for an acre of barren ground. Antonio and Sebastian show their wit by making fun of Gonzalo. In a running commentary, they mock and scoff at the old lord Gonzalo who means no harm to anybody and who excites the jealousy of these two men by his sheer goodness. 

The main source of humour in this play is the drunken behavior of Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo. But in this case Trinculo makes a remarks which are really witty. 

The Tempest

The Tempest is full of supernatural elements. But it is realistic at the core. The island where Prospero lives is an enchanted one. Yet the play is essentially realistic. Its realistic quality finds expression in the manner in which the various characters have been portrayed. 

Most of the events in the play are manipulated by Prospero by using his supernatural powers. But human nature here has been depicted in a perfectly realistic manner. Ferdinand and Miranda are mutually attracted to each other. They fall in love with each other at first sight. The facts are perfectly true to life. Then the villainy of Antonio and Sebastian is also true to life. Both of them appear as unnatural brothers and devoid of a conscience. Such villains are quite common in real life. Ambition is something to be found in almost every human being. Everybody tries to attain his ambition by all kinds of methods, fair or foul. Alonso had committed a crime. Now he repents of it. Many people in this world commit misdeeds and subsequently repent of them. Prospero forgives his erzmies. This is not something unbelievable. His forgiveness is certainly unique. But it is not something impossible. 

However, Miranda shows pity for the passengers on the stormattacked ship. Antonio incites Sebastian to murder Alonso. The drunken Stephano agrees to murder Prospero. Prospero is anxious to secure a proper husband for Miranda. Alonso becomes remorseful. All these incidents have been depicted in such a manner that we feel them genuine undoubtedly.

Bring out the realistic elements in the play, The Tempest.

Green Land | September 18, 2024 | 0 comments

The Tempest is full of supernatural elements. But it is realistic at the core. The island where Prospero lives is an enchanted one. Yet the play is essentially realistic. Its realistic quality finds expression in the manner in which the various characters have been portrayed. 

Most of the events in the play are manipulated by Prospero by using his supernatural powers. But human nature here has been depicted in a perfectly realistic manner. Ferdinand and Miranda are mutually attracted to each other. They fall in love with each other at first sight. The facts are perfectly true to life. Then the villainy of Antonio and Sebastian is also true to life. Both of them appear as unnatural brothers and devoid of a conscience. Such villains are quite common in real life. Ambition is something to be found in almost every human being. Everybody tries to attain his ambition by all kinds of methods, fair or foul. Alonso had committed a crime. Now he repents of it. Many people in this world commit misdeeds and subsequently repent of them. Prospero forgives his erzmies. This is not something unbelievable. His forgiveness is certainly unique. But it is not something impossible. 

However, Miranda shows pity for the passengers on the stormattacked ship. Antonio incites Sebastian to murder Alonso. The drunken Stephano agrees to murder Prospero. Prospero is anxious to secure a proper husband for Miranda. Alonso becomes remorseful. All these incidents have been depicted in such a manner that we feel them genuine undoubtedly.

The Tempest

These remarkable and conspicuous lines have been derived from the romantic comedy, The Tempest written by William Shakespeare. Here Caliban tells Stephano and Trinculo not to feel afraid of the sounds that they may hear from unknown sources on this island. He describes the charms and delights of the island. This speech expresses the poetic nature of the monster Caliban. 

The island where Prospero lives is full of sweet sounds, voices and sweet melodies. These sweet sounds and voices are a source of pleasure but they do not have any harmful effect on the characters. Obviously, this island is a strange and mysterious place. Prospero sends Ariel, an airy spirit to hear the secret plan of Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo. The three are in a drunken state. Suddenly, Stephano and Trinculo sing a couple of lines. They feel surprised when somebody, invisible to them, plays the tune on a tabor and pipe. Caliban tells them that there is nothing to be afraid of this invisible music. He is completely known to the supernatural music of the island. He has heard the twanging sounds of thousands of musical instruments humming in his ears. He has also heard voices sometimes which lured him to sleep due to their melodious sounds. So he assures them that this island is full of different sweet sounds. 

These different sounds are amusing to them but not harmful. Indeed, Shakespeare's poetic and fine observation about things around him is obvious in these lines.

Be not a feared ; the isle is full of noises - explain!

Green Land | January 30, 2024 | 0 comments

These remarkable and conspicuous lines have been derived from the romantic comedy, The Tempest written by William Shakespeare. Here Caliban tells Stephano and Trinculo not to feel afraid of the sounds that they may hear from unknown sources on this island. He describes the charms and delights of the island. This speech expresses the poetic nature of the monster Caliban. 

The island where Prospero lives is full of sweet sounds, voices and sweet melodies. These sweet sounds and voices are a source of pleasure but they do not have any harmful effect on the characters. Obviously, this island is a strange and mysterious place. Prospero sends Ariel, an airy spirit to hear the secret plan of Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo. The three are in a drunken state. Suddenly, Stephano and Trinculo sing a couple of lines. They feel surprised when somebody, invisible to them, plays the tune on a tabor and pipe. Caliban tells them that there is nothing to be afraid of this invisible music. He is completely known to the supernatural music of the island. He has heard the twanging sounds of thousands of musical instruments humming in his ears. He has also heard voices sometimes which lured him to sleep due to their melodious sounds. So he assures them that this island is full of different sweet sounds. 

These different sounds are amusing to them but not harmful. Indeed, Shakespeare's poetic and fine observation about things around him is obvious in these lines.

The Tempest

The Tempest by William Shakespeare is one of the superb . and finest love comedies in English literature. The author seems to be the doctor of love. Love is the predominated theme of Shakespeare's comedies. The entire atmosphere is surcharged with love. Now let us try to comment on the love affair between Ferdinand and Miranda. 

The love story of Ferdinand and Miranda constitutes only an episode in the play though it is skillfully integrated with the main Story. With the help of Ariel, Prospero makes a plan for the first meeting between Ferdinand and Miranda. Ferdinand is astonished by the strange, supernatural song which has brought him here. He thinks Miranda as a goddess of this island. They both fall in love with each other at first sight. 

The meeting of Ferdinand and Miranda is a very interesting and beautiful instance of love at first sight. The gentle, dignified language of the two young people expresses Shakespeare’s keen awareness of their purity of soul, nobility and tender love. Act-III, Scene-I gives us a romantic love affair scene of Ferdinand and Miranda. Both Ferdinand and Miranda love each other so deeply. In the play The Tempest, the most romantic thing is the love episode between Ferdinand and Miranda. 

Next, we notice Ferdinand in front of Prospero’s cell. Prospero has made him captive and has employed him to carry logs of woods from the forest and to pile them together at a certain place. Miranda feels great sorrow to see Ferdinand’s work. She comes to help him. Her father Prospero sees them from a distance. She takes pity on him. She requests him not to work such type of work only for her. 

Ferdinand loves Miranda very deeply. The name of Miranda occupies a lofty position in his mind. Only, if Miranda agrees to marry him, he is prepared to make her the Queen of Naples. She says that she would either becomes his wife or not marry at all. In case he refuses to marry her, she would become his life-long servant. But Ferdinand assures her that she is his dearest mistress, and promises to become her husband. Miranda and Ferdinand play chess in the cell of Prospero. This is also a love scene.

However, here we find the love relationship between Miranda and Ferdinand. This love relationship is relevant to the main plot of, the play. It is very amusing and cheerful to us. In short, it adds a new dimension to the play. 

Compare and contrast the characters of Miranda and Ferdinand in The Tempest

Green Land | January 30, 2024 | 0 comments

The Tempest by William Shakespeare is one of the superb . and finest love comedies in English literature. The author seems to be the doctor of love. Love is the predominated theme of Shakespeare's comedies. The entire atmosphere is surcharged with love. Now let us try to comment on the love affair between Ferdinand and Miranda. 

The love story of Ferdinand and Miranda constitutes only an episode in the play though it is skillfully integrated with the main Story. With the help of Ariel, Prospero makes a plan for the first meeting between Ferdinand and Miranda. Ferdinand is astonished by the strange, supernatural song which has brought him here. He thinks Miranda as a goddess of this island. They both fall in love with each other at first sight. 

The meeting of Ferdinand and Miranda is a very interesting and beautiful instance of love at first sight. The gentle, dignified language of the two young people expresses Shakespeare’s keen awareness of their purity of soul, nobility and tender love. Act-III, Scene-I gives us a romantic love affair scene of Ferdinand and Miranda. Both Ferdinand and Miranda love each other so deeply. In the play The Tempest, the most romantic thing is the love episode between Ferdinand and Miranda. 

Next, we notice Ferdinand in front of Prospero’s cell. Prospero has made him captive and has employed him to carry logs of woods from the forest and to pile them together at a certain place. Miranda feels great sorrow to see Ferdinand’s work. She comes to help him. Her father Prospero sees them from a distance. She takes pity on him. She requests him not to work such type of work only for her. 

Ferdinand loves Miranda very deeply. The name of Miranda occupies a lofty position in his mind. Only, if Miranda agrees to marry him, he is prepared to make her the Queen of Naples. She says that she would either becomes his wife or not marry at all. In case he refuses to marry her, she would become his life-long servant. But Ferdinand assures her that she is his dearest mistress, and promises to become her husband. Miranda and Ferdinand play chess in the cell of Prospero. This is also a love scene.

However, here we find the love relationship between Miranda and Ferdinand. This love relationship is relevant to the main plot of, the play. It is very amusing and cheerful to us. In short, it adds a new dimension to the play. 

The Tempest

Sebastian is one of the comic characters in the play,  The Tempest. His role and function in this play are very important. He is the brother of Alonso,  the King of Naples. We meet him at the very beginning of the play. 

Sebastian does not show any nervousness in the face of dander on the ship. He has a sort of understanding with Antonio. He is categorical in his way of speaking. He has an imperious nature. He helps to kill King Alonso and his faithful councilor, Gonzalo. Sebastian and Antonio resemble each other in most respects. Both are by nature and temperament mockers. Both dislike Gonzalo who is a good man. Finally, we can say that Antonio has some traits in his character. These are treachery,  cruelty,  lack of conscience, ambition, and so on.

Anyway, Sebastian is a villain no doubt. He supplies plenty of comedy in this play.

Sketch the character of Sebastian

Green Land | December 20, 2022 | 0 comments

Sebastian is one of the comic characters in the play,  The Tempest. His role and function in this play are very important. He is the brother of Alonso,  the King of Naples. We meet him at the very beginning of the play. 

Sebastian does not show any nervousness in the face of dander on the ship. He has a sort of understanding with Antonio. He is categorical in his way of speaking. He has an imperious nature. He helps to kill King Alonso and his faithful councilor, Gonzalo. Sebastian and Antonio resemble each other in most respects. Both are by nature and temperament mockers. Both dislike Gonzalo who is a good man. Finally, we can say that Antonio has some traits in his character. These are treachery,  cruelty,  lack of conscience, ambition, and so on.

Anyway, Sebastian is a villain no doubt. He supplies plenty of comedy in this play.

The Tempest , William Shakespeare

A masque is a literary form. It emerged during the reign of King James I. It was a splendid and expensive form of entertainment for royalty and courtiers. It was a short piece of dramatic allegory that provided opportunities for music, song, and dance, as well as for the exchange of spoken dialogue. Ben Johnson was the great master of the art of writing masques. There are some features of a masque. The subject of the masque is allegorical and mythical. The characters are mythical gods and goddesses. The duration of the masque is shorter than that of a drama. It is written in rhymed verse. Its aim is to celebrate marriage in high society. Dances, songs, and choruses are present in the masque.

According to some critics, the structure of The Tempest is greatly influenced by the masque. For this reason, the whole play may really be regarded as a means for the representation of spectacle, song, and dance. It cannot be denied that there are connections between this play and the masque as defined above. The masque of Juno is presented to Ferdinand and Miranda in Act IV of the play. The masque that Prospero presents before Ferdinand and Miranda may be called a betrothal masque. Of course, Prospero arranges and presents the masque through his servant Ariel. The masque begins with the appearance of Iris, the goddess of the rainbow and also the official messenger of Juno, the wife of the supreme god, Jupiter. In a long speech, Iris summons Ceres. Ceres is the goddess of agriculture and all the fruits of the earth. Ceres is soon joined by Juno who informs Ceres that she has been summoned to bless a couple who have got engaged to each other and who would soon be married. Then Juno confers her blessings on the couple wishing them honor, riches, a long life, many children, and hourly joys. Next, Ceres pronounces her blessings, wishing the couple. Then Iris summons a large number of nymphs who are joined by a large number of reapers, all of whom stage a graceful dance. According to some critics, the masque here is certainly a dramatic necessity. There is no doubt that the plot of the play could have proceeded even without the masque. If the masque were eliminated from the play, the essentials of the plot would remain unaffected. In other words, the masque is not indispensable. But we can certainly affirm that the masque is desirable. The romantic subplot of the love of Ferdinand and Miranda has been rendered more substantial and more delightful by the addition of this masque. Thus the masque marks a step in the further development of the romantic subplot. In this play, the masque is in perfect harmony with the general atmosphere of the play. The most striking feature of The Tempest is the supernatural powers that Prospero has acquired on the island, using which he engineers the plot movement of the play. Indeed, the supernatural dominates the play as a whole. Now, the masque presented by Prospero involves some of the goddesses and therefore harmonizes with the supernatural powers by which Prospero has raised himself to the position of a god. The masque also serves another dramatic purpose in this play. It allows time for the maturing of Caliban's conspiracy against Prospero.

What is the relevance of the masque of Juno in The Tempest?

Literaturemini | November 10, 2019 | 1comments

A masque is a literary form. It emerged during the reign of King James I. It was a splendid and expensive form of entertainment for royalty and courtiers. It was a short piece of dramatic allegory that provided opportunities for music, song, and dance, as well as for the exchange of spoken dialogue. Ben Johnson was the great master of the art of writing masques. There are some features of a masque. The subject of the masque is allegorical and mythical. The characters are mythical gods and goddesses. The duration of the masque is shorter than that of a drama. It is written in rhymed verse. Its aim is to celebrate marriage in high society. Dances, songs, and choruses are present in the masque.

According to some critics, the structure of The Tempest is greatly influenced by the masque. For this reason, the whole play may really be regarded as a means for the representation of spectacle, song, and dance. It cannot be denied that there are connections between this play and the masque as defined above. The masque of Juno is presented to Ferdinand and Miranda in Act IV of the play. The masque that Prospero presents before Ferdinand and Miranda may be called a betrothal masque. Of course, Prospero arranges and presents the masque through his servant Ariel. The masque begins with the appearance of Iris, the goddess of the rainbow and also the official messenger of Juno, the wife of the supreme god, Jupiter. In a long speech, Iris summons Ceres. Ceres is the goddess of agriculture and all the fruits of the earth. Ceres is soon joined by Juno who informs Ceres that she has been summoned to bless a couple who have got engaged to each other and who would soon be married. Then Juno confers her blessings on the couple wishing them honor, riches, a long life, many children, and hourly joys. Next, Ceres pronounces her blessings, wishing the couple. Then Iris summons a large number of nymphs who are joined by a large number of reapers, all of whom stage a graceful dance. According to some critics, the masque here is certainly a dramatic necessity. There is no doubt that the plot of the play could have proceeded even without the masque. If the masque were eliminated from the play, the essentials of the plot would remain unaffected. In other words, the masque is not indispensable. But we can certainly affirm that the masque is desirable. The romantic subplot of the love of Ferdinand and Miranda has been rendered more substantial and more delightful by the addition of this masque. Thus the masque marks a step in the further development of the romantic subplot. In this play, the masque is in perfect harmony with the general atmosphere of the play. The most striking feature of The Tempest is the supernatural powers that Prospero has acquired on the island, using which he engineers the plot movement of the play. Indeed, the supernatural dominates the play as a whole. Now, the masque presented by Prospero involves some of the goddesses and therefore harmonizes with the supernatural powers by which Prospero has raised himself to the position of a god. The masque also serves another dramatic purpose in this play. It allows time for the maturing of Caliban's conspiracy against Prospero.

The Tempest , William Shakespeare

Caliban is an important character in the play, The Tempest by William Shakespeare. He plays a vital role in this play. He stands in sharp contrast to Ariel. He is an elemental being. He is brutal and sensuous. He has no direct connection with the main action of the play. He is the son of a witch by the name of Sycorax who had been expelled from her country on a charge of practicing black magic. He has a deformed body. He is half-human and half-monster. He uses rough language.

Caliban is an ugly misshapen monster, whose physical exterior is a symbol of his inner ugliness. He is wicked in nature. He represents mankind at the brute stage. He is morally a devil. He resists all active occupations. He recognizes no moral law. Prospero tried his utmost to civilize Caliban but in vain. Caliban has a profound hatred for Prospero. He hates his master Prospero. He regards his master as a usurper. Thus the airy spirit is a kind of general to Prospero, while the monster is nothing but a slave. Caliban's love of freedom is shallow. It expresses itself in his resentment of Prospero who is a usurper in his eyes. But it does not mean freedom from service and domination. It means to him only a change from one master to another. Caliban does Prospero's works only under threat. He receives Prospero with curses and vile abuse. But Ariel remains always cheerful and shows due respect to Prospero.

The character of Caliban is important because of his symbolic significance. He symbolizes three different ideas. Firstly, Caliban is an embodiment of the supernatural. He is born of the union of a witch and a devil; hence his deformity. Secondly, Caliban is a slave. As a slave, he hates his taskmaster, and hates all "service". And he again embodies one of the leading social ideas of the play, namely, slavery and the revolt against slavery. Thirdly, Caliban is a dispossessed Indian. To sum up, we may say that Caliban is the symbol of the colonized and Prospero is the symbol of the colonizers. He possesses allegorical significance. He is rebellious and revengeful. Whenever he gets the chance, he tries to take revenge upon his tyrant ruler. He does not hesitate to hatch a plot against Prospero. However, Shakespeare has successfully portrayed the character of Caliban in the play, The Tempest.

Write a brief note on the character of Caliban with special reference to his symbolic significance, if any, in the play, The Tempest?

Literaturemini | November 10, 2019 | 0 comments

Caliban is an important character in the play, The Tempest by William Shakespeare. He plays a vital role in this play. He stands in sharp contrast to Ariel. He is an elemental being. He is brutal and sensuous. He has no direct connection with the main action of the play. He is the son of a witch by the name of Sycorax who had been expelled from her country on a charge of practicing black magic. He has a deformed body. He is half-human and half-monster. He uses rough language.

Caliban is an ugly misshapen monster, whose physical exterior is a symbol of his inner ugliness. He is wicked in nature. He represents mankind at the brute stage. He is morally a devil. He resists all active occupations. He recognizes no moral law. Prospero tried his utmost to civilize Caliban but in vain. Caliban has a profound hatred for Prospero. He hates his master Prospero. He regards his master as a usurper. Thus the airy spirit is a kind of general to Prospero, while the monster is nothing but a slave. Caliban's love of freedom is shallow. It expresses itself in his resentment of Prospero who is a usurper in his eyes. But it does not mean freedom from service and domination. It means to him only a change from one master to another. Caliban does Prospero's works only under threat. He receives Prospero with curses and vile abuse. But Ariel remains always cheerful and shows due respect to Prospero.

The character of Caliban is important because of his symbolic significance. He symbolizes three different ideas. Firstly, Caliban is an embodiment of the supernatural. He is born of the union of a witch and a devil; hence his deformity. Secondly, Caliban is a slave. As a slave, he hates his taskmaster, and hates all "service". And he again embodies one of the leading social ideas of the play, namely, slavery and the revolt against slavery. Thirdly, Caliban is a dispossessed Indian. To sum up, we may say that Caliban is the symbol of the colonized and Prospero is the symbol of the colonizers. He possesses allegorical significance. He is rebellious and revengeful. Whenever he gets the chance, he tries to take revenge upon his tyrant ruler. He does not hesitate to hatch a plot against Prospero. However, Shakespeare has successfully portrayed the character of Caliban in the play, The Tempest.

The Tempest , William Shakespeare

The Tempest by William Shakespeare is an autobiographical play. In this play, Prospero represents Shakespeare himself. There are some autobiographical elements in this play. Now let us try to bring out the autobiographical elements in the light of The Tempest.

In considering the play, we must also take into account the view that this play is autobiographical in inspiration. It has been suggested by many critics that the portrayal of Prospero in this play is a kind of self-portrait by Shakespeare. According to this view, Shakespeare was delineating his own character in his portrayal of the wizard, Prospero. There is certainly some substance in this view. In Prospero's temper, we find grave harmony, self-control, sensitiveness to wrong, a desire for strict justice, and an aloofness from the common joys and sorrows of human life. now, these were also the qualities of Shakespeare himself during the last period of his dramatic career. In addition to these qualities, Prospero's philosophic mood of reflection and his attitude of toleration and forgiveness seems to be Shakespeare's own mood and attitude during the final period of his professional life. Toward the end of the play, Prospero makes a long speech expressing his decision to renounce his magic and his supernatural powers. Prospero's decision to give up his supernatural powers may well be taken to mean Shakespeare's decision to stop writing dramas. 

It is generally agreed that The Tempest was Shakespeare's last complete play. It is believed to have been Shakespeare's swan song. Just as for many years Prospero governed his island with unlimited power, so Shakespeare held full sway over the English theatre for many years. Just as Prospero, the great enchanter, decides to break his magic staff and throw his books of magic into the sea, so Shakespeare decided to leave the theatre and retire to his native village of Stratford-on-Avon. There are other parallels also to be found in this play between what Prospero says and what actually happened in Shakespeare's life. Prospero has been on the island for twelve years when the action of the play opens. In the same way, it was approximately twelve years since the sequence of Shakespeare's greater plays began with Hamlet. In this way, The Tempest is out and out an autobiographical play. Here Prospero represents Shakespeare himself.

Bring out the autobiographical elements in Shakespeare's portrayal of Prospero in The Tempest

Literaturemini | November 09, 2019 | 0 comments

The Tempest by William Shakespeare is an autobiographical play. In this play, Prospero represents Shakespeare himself. There are some autobiographical elements in this play. Now let us try to bring out the autobiographical elements in the light of The Tempest.

In considering the play, we must also take into account the view that this play is autobiographical in inspiration. It has been suggested by many critics that the portrayal of Prospero in this play is a kind of self-portrait by Shakespeare. According to this view, Shakespeare was delineating his own character in his portrayal of the wizard, Prospero. There is certainly some substance in this view. In Prospero's temper, we find grave harmony, self-control, sensitiveness to wrong, a desire for strict justice, and an aloofness from the common joys and sorrows of human life. now, these were also the qualities of Shakespeare himself during the last period of his dramatic career. In addition to these qualities, Prospero's philosophic mood of reflection and his attitude of toleration and forgiveness seems to be Shakespeare's own mood and attitude during the final period of his professional life. Toward the end of the play, Prospero makes a long speech expressing his decision to renounce his magic and his supernatural powers. Prospero's decision to give up his supernatural powers may well be taken to mean Shakespeare's decision to stop writing dramas. 

It is generally agreed that The Tempest was Shakespeare's last complete play. It is believed to have been Shakespeare's swan song. Just as for many years Prospero governed his island with unlimited power, so Shakespeare held full sway over the English theatre for many years. Just as Prospero, the great enchanter, decides to break his magic staff and throw his books of magic into the sea, so Shakespeare decided to leave the theatre and retire to his native village of Stratford-on-Avon. There are other parallels also to be found in this play between what Prospero says and what actually happened in Shakespeare's life. Prospero has been on the island for twelve years when the action of the play opens. In the same way, it was approximately twelve years since the sequence of Shakespeare's greater plays began with Hamlet. In this way, The Tempest is out and out an autobiographical play. Here Prospero represents Shakespeare himself.

The Tempest , William Shakespeare