Reading and explanation of Act One - SS2 Literature Lesson Note
The Tempest: Act I, Scenes 1 and 2
Act I, Scene 1
The play opens with a storm at sea.
A ship carrying King Alonso of Naples, his son Ferdinand, his brother Sebastian, and other nobles is shipwrecked.
Gonzalo, the King's old counselor, tries to reassure the others, but they are all terrified.
Ariel, a spirit in the service of Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, has conjured the storm to carry out Prospero's commands.
Act I, Scene 2
Prospero and Miranda, his daughter, watch the storm from their cave on the island.
Miranda is horrified by the sight of the shipwreck, but Prospero assures her that everyone on board is safe.
Prospero tells Miranda the story of how they came to be on the island. Twelve years ago, Prospero was overthrown as Duke of Milan by his brother Antonio and Antonio's confederate, Alonso.
Prospero, Miranda, and Prospero's loyal servant Ariel were cast adrift at sea. They eventually landed on the island, where Prospero has used his magic to enslave Ariel and the native Caliban.
Themes and Analysis
The Tempest is a play about revenge, forgiveness, and redemption.
Prospero has used his magic to punish his enemies, but in the end, he chooses to forgive them.
The play also explores themes of colonialism, slavery, and the power of nature.
Additional notes on Tempest.
The Tempest is a complex play with many different interpretations.
When studying the play, it is important to consider the historical and cultural context in which it was written.
Shakespeare's plays were often performed in front of a mixed audience of nobles and commoners.
He used his plays to explore a wide range of topics, including politics, religion, and social issues.
The Tempest is a play that can be enjoyed on many different levels.
It is a story about adventure, magic, and the power of love.
It is also a play that can be interpreted as a commentary on social and political issues.
Conclusion
The Tempest is a rich and complex play that has something to offer everyone.