The Tempest (Magill Book Reviews)
At a glance:
- Author: William Shakespeare
- First Published: 1623
- Type of Work: Romantic drama
- Genres: Drama, Fantasy
- Subjects: Magic or magicians, Love or romance, Exile or expatriates, Storms, Servants, Aristocracy or aristocrats, Fifteenth century, Shipwrecks, Hallucinations or illusions, Italy or Italians
- Locales: Islands
At the center of the play’s action, and controlling it from the island where he lives in exile, is the wise magician Prospero. He conjures a storm to shipwreck his brother Antonio, usurper of his ducal throne in Milan. Prospero engineers a marriage between his daughter and the son of an enemy, King Alonso of Naples, who accompanies Antonio. The marriage would end the feud and allow Prospero to regain his dukedom.
The portrayal of the villainous characters presents a contradiction between seeming and being. Reportedly they have victimized Prospero; yet on stage we see them as...
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See Also:
William Shakespeare (Censorship--Ready Reference series)William Shakespeare (Cyclopedia of World Authors)William Shakespeare: The Poet (Poetry)William Shakespeare: The Dramatist (Magill’s Choice: Shakespeare)William Shakespeare: The Man (Magill’s Choice: Shakespeare)
See Also:
- - For teachers, the The Tempest Lesson Plan.
- - Read the The Tempest text online.
- - The Tempest summary and study guide in the eNotes.
- Add The Tempest to your favorites