Understanding the plot of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'
I can understand the conventions of a comedy play and describe the plot of ‘The Tempest’.
Understanding the plot of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'
I can understand the conventions of a comedy play and describe the plot of ‘The Tempest’.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Shakespeare's company was supported by King James I which meant Shakespeare would likely want to appeal to the King.
- 'The Tempest' is a comedy which means it has a happy ending.
- Prospero is served by a spirit, Ariel, and a creature, Caliban.
- Prospero uses his magic to manipulate and control others.
- Prospero eventually forgives the traitors and frees Ariel and the play ends with a celebration.
Keywords
Patronage - Patronage is the support, encouragement, or financial aid that an organisation or individual gives to another.
Usurp - If you usurp something then you have taken a position of power illegally or by force.
Spirit - A spirit is a supernatural being.
Freedom - Being free is having the power or right to act, speak or think as you want.
Revenge - Revenge is the act of harming someone in return for an injury or injustice that they have inflicted on you.
Common misconception
The defining feature of a comedy play is that they are funny.
While Shakespeare's comedies do employ humour, the defining feature is that everything is resolved at the end of the play.
Equipment
You may want a copy of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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