Last But Not Least
‘The Tempest', William Shakespeare’s last play, is a tragicomedy that is wonderfully written so
that it excellently develops the play’s themes but, unfortunately, is overshadowed by William
Shakespeare's more famous plays. The title refers to a literal tempest caused by Prospero, the
protagonist. And to metaphorical tempests experienced by the various characters emotionally.
The play is about magic, betrayal, love and forgiveness. It is set on an island somewhere off the
coast of Italy where Prospero, the ex-duke of Milan and his beautiful daughter, Miranda, live
with a sprite called Ariel and a strange wildman called Caliban. Prospero is a powerful magician
who creates a tempest that sets the scene for the play. In the events that follow we see a
conspiracy to kill the King of Naples, a drunken scheme to kill Prospero and a romance between
Miranda and a romance between the King’s son, Ferdinand. In the end, all is forgiven and they
all set sail for home.
The characters are the best aspect of the play. For example, Prospero in his quest for vengeance
creates the titular tempest which is a catalyst for the rest of the events in the play. When Prospero
pardons the people who wronged him, while also asking for forgiveness for his negligence as the
duke of Milan, the theme of forgiveness and reconciliation is fully actualised.
‘The Tempest’ succeeded in portraying its themes while using comedy and interesting characters
to keep itself entertaining It is now my favourite Shakespearean play.
‘The Tempest', William Shakespeare’s last play, is a tragicomedy that is wonderfully written so
that it excellently develops the play’s themes but, unfortunately, is overshadowed by William
Shakespeare's more famous plays. The title refers to a literal tempest caused by Prospero, the
protagonist. And to metaphorical tempests experienced by the various characters emotionally.
The play is about magic, betrayal, love and forgiveness. It is set on an island somewhere off the
coast of Italy where Prospero, the ex-duke of Milan and his beautiful daughter, Miranda, live
with a sprite called Ariel and a strange wildman called Caliban. Prospero is a powerful magician
who creates a tempest that sets the scene for the play. In the events that follow we see a
conspiracy to kill the King of Naples, a drunken scheme to kill Prospero and a romance between
Miranda and a romance between the King’s son, Ferdinand. In the end, all is forgiven and they
all set sail for home.
The characters are the best aspect of the play. For example, Prospero in his quest for vengeance
creates the titular tempest which is a catalyst for the rest of the events in the play. When Prospero
pardons the people who wronged him, while also asking for forgiveness for his negligence as the
duke of Milan, the theme of forgiveness and reconciliation is fully actualised.
‘The Tempest’ succeeded in portraying its themes while using comedy and interesting characters
to keep itself entertaining It is now my favourite Shakespearean play.
