Writing about Shakespeare: The Tempest

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infoWhy this? This first substantial encounter with a Shakespeare play introduces the distinctive language, structure, and performance conventions of Shakespearean drama. Through Prospero, Ariel, and Caliban, pupils explore power, freedom, revenge, forgiveness, and contested interpretations, learning to support ideas with precise evidence and analysis of dramatic methods.

scheduleWhy now? Knowledge of rhetoric, narrative shape, motif, and characterisation from the preceding units equips pupils to approach Shakespeare’s language as a series of deliberate choices. The unit also establishes dramatic vocabulary and analytical methods that are extended through the contrasting modern drama of Our Day Out.

The Tempest is a Shakespearean romance that combines elements of comedy and tragedy.
The play is set on an enchanted island after a shipwreck.
Prospero is the rightful Duke of Milan who was usurped by his brother.
Prospero uses magic to control events on the island.
Miranda is Prospero's daughter and has lived on the island for twelve years.
Ariel is an air spirit who serves Prospero and longs for freedom.
Caliban is the son of Sycorax and claims ownership of the island.
Shakespearean drama is usually structured into five acts.
Iambic pentameter is a common rhythm used in Shakespeare's writing.
Blank verse is unrhymed poetry written in iambic pentameter.
A soliloquy reveals a character's thoughts when alone on stage.
An aside is a comment spoken directly to the audience that other characters cannot hear.
Shakespeare often uses verse for noble characters and prose for lower-status characters.
Prospero conjures the opening storm to bring his former enemies under his control and resolve the pre-existing conflict caused by his usurpation.
The theme of power is explored through Prospero's control over others.
The theme of freedom is explored through Ariel and Caliban.
Caliban's statement, "You taught me language," is important to colonial interpretations of the play.
Prospero chooses forgiveness over revenge at the end of the play.
In the Epilogue, Prospero breaks the fourth wall and speaks directly to the audience.
William Shakespeare wrote The Tempest.

rocket_launchYou must be able to

Explain how Shakespeare presents power through different characters.
Identify Shakespearean dramatic techniques such as soliloquies and asides.
Recognise and explain the use of verse and prose.
Analyse how language creates meaning and audience response.
Use quotations accurately to support interpretations.
Compare the presentation of Ariel and Caliban.
Explain how themes such as power, freedom, revenge, and forgiveness are developed.
Explore different interpretations of characters, including colonial readings of Caliban.
Write analytical PETAL paragraphs about Shakespeare's methods and their effects.
Identify key characters and explain their roles in the play.

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