The Tempest Essay Topics & Examples

Students’ life is a bumpy ride, and sometimes you can end up with several vital assignments all of which are due the next day. Custom-Writing.org experts have prepared a compilation of The Tempest essay topics.  

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

On this page, you’ll find best questions, prompts, title ideas on the Shakespeare’s play, together with The Tempest essay examples. Feel free to alter and adjust them to your liking and academic requirements!

  • 🏆 Essay Topics
  • 💡 Essay Prompts
  • 📝 Essay Examples

🏆 The Tempest Essay Topics

  • Revenge and forgiveness in The Tempest
  • Colonialism and slavery in The Tempest
  • The role of setting in The Tempest
  • How is Caliban presented in The Tempest?
  • Prospero: character analysis
  • Frankenstein and The Tempest: compare and contrast essay
  • The theme of magic in The Tempest
  • Love and relationships in The Tempest
  • Gender roles in Shakespeare’s plays
  • King Alonso: character traits
  • Non-human beings in The Tempest
  • The symbolism of Prospero’s books

💡 The Tempest Essay Prompts

  • The analysis of Shakespeare’s messages hidden behind the central themes . The first thing you need to find out is what the theme of The Tempest is. There may be more than one, so you should choose those that seem to be the most important. If you have doubts, go back and look through our guide again!
  • Discussion of the historical context of The Tempest with the focus on colonization . It appears that the play was quite relevant at the time. No wonder, because Shakespeare took a chance and used the most discussed topic as the theme. Therefore, your main task would be to find out how the views about colonial imperialism are expressed in The Tempest .
  • What is the role of comic scenes in the play’s plot ? The Tempest is considered to be a comedy since it involves plenty of funny moments. The most memorable ones are performed by the drunken trio. The main idea of this essay is to analyze how those scenes go along with the main plot.
  • How vital are audio impressions and noises in the play? You should start by looking for the moments where various sounds and music are described. Since every element of imagery adds to the overall impression from the play, it is essential to find out what role they play.
  • Colonization in The Tempest : how do characters want to rule the island? It might be a part of the central theme dedicated to colonization, but an additional analysis might be fun to do. After getting on the island, almost all the characters start dreaming about owning it. They all have a different vision of how they would rule it, though.
  • Discuss the impressions from the very first scene of the play. Here is the place for you to analyze everything mentioned in Scene 1 that influenced your perception of the whole play. For example, see how the characters are presented and what their dialogues tell about them. How are the main themes introduced?
  • Contrast and compare The Tempest to one of Shakespeare’s tragedies. Prospero has been planning his revenge for so many years. His desire could have easily turned out as a tragedy for every character if it wasn’t for romance. Therefore, you should look into the differences between this aspect in The Tempest and a tragedy.
  • Draw a parallel between the attempted assassination of Alonso and plotting against Prospero. The two of the king’s staff, along with Caliban, are planning on taking the place of the island’s rulers by killing Prospero. Meanwhile, there is an attempt to murder Alonso. Your task is to compare these two occasions and see how social status might affect them.
  • What roles does Prospero take on, and what is their significance? It seems like Prospero wants to have as much power as he can. He is a father, friend, magician, island’s ruler, and desires to return home to be a duke again. However, it is impossible to have everything. Analyze Prospero’s character and find out which role he is most likely to choose.
  • Analyze and discuss the purpose of Caliban’s character in the play. At first, it seems like Caliban plays a critical role in The Tempest . However, at the end of the play, the audience can see that his part is insignificant. Therefore, your task for this essay would be to find out why Shakespeare involved Caliban after all.
  • The complete literary analysis of Shakespeare’s The Tempest . It is one of the primary and most straightforward topics about the play. However, attention to detail is vital. Try to include the most critical elements in there, such as the central themes and ideas, symbols , literary devices. If you need help with it, just look through our guide!
  • Does Caliban really need to be trained and educated? From Prospero’s point of view, Caliban is a savage who desperately needs help to become more civilized. In this essay, you can let your perspective create the structure. Do you think Prospero should have left Caliban in peace? What is the role of colonization in it?
  • Appearances of feminism in Shakespeare’s The Tempest . Even though there is only one female character in the play, this issue still appears to be relevant. Miranda is always kind to Caliban until the moment he tries to sexually abuse her. Explain what her actions were and how her attitude has changed since then.
  • Discuss the theme of religion and Christianity in the play. If you look closely, you can see some associations between Christianity and Prospero’s character. He is almost seen as God due to his powers and control over the events on the island. In the end, he refuses to use magic any longer and forgives his enemies. Can it be a biblical reference?
  • The correlation between political corruption and greed of the characters. Antonio is the main character in the play, which shows intense greed for power. He is ready to pay any price to get more power, so his personal ethics degrades quickly. However, you should find out about the role of political corruption in Antonio’s actions and plans.
  • What is Miranda’s perception of the island in The Tempest ? She was taken to the island when she was a child. How do you think Miranda perceives her new home as an adult? Does it seem like a prison to her, or does Prospero’s magic makes her believe the island is a utopia?

📝 The Tempest Essay Examples

  • Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” and Sandars’ “The Epics of Gigamesh”
  • Shakespeare’s The Tempest Directed by Gregory Doran
  • Shakespeare’s The Tempest in the Savage Rose Theater
  • The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Tempest: Being “Civilized” or “Uncivilized”
  • Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” – Viewing and Reflection
  • Ahab from Moby Dick and Prospero from the Tempest
  • The Phaedrus and The Tempest: Compare & Contrast
  • Prospero in The Tempest: Character Analysis
  • The Tempest and the Contemporary Arts
  • “The Tempest” Play by St. Louis Shakespeare Theater
  • Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” by Savage Rose Theatre
  • Shakespeare’s The Tempest: Gender Roles
  • Utopia in “The Tempest” by Shakespeare
  • Shakespeare’s The Tempest and Image Exploration

Thank you for reading this article! If you haven’t found the perfect title idea, try our topic-generating tool . Any questions left? Check The Tempest QA section !

  • Share to Facebook
  • Share to Twitter
  • Share to LinkedIn
  • Share to email

Recommended for You

The Tempest Themes

The Tempest Themes

Shakespeare tends to focus on very specific issues in each of his masterpieces. In The Tempest, the themes of power and magic are the dominant ones. However, a little bit of attention is also drawn to the topic of colonization. Looking for The Tempest themes? Find them all described here!...

The Tempest Characters

The Tempest Characters

Looking for The Tempest characters? Find them all analyzed here! This article by Custom-Writing.org experts contains character descriptions and analysis of Prospero, Miranda, Alonso, and other characters, as well as The Tempest character map. 🗺️ The Tempest Character Map Below you’ll find The Tempest character map. It contains all the...

The Tempest Summary

The Tempest Summary

The Tempest is a unique and beautiful play that focuses on love and forgiveness at the crossroad of betrayal and magic. The main actions happen on a small island somewhere near Italy. The ship crushes there after a storm. An old magician Prospero and his daughter, Miranda, who live there...

Theme of Death in Literature: Examples & Definition

Theme of Death in Literature: Examples & Definition

Death is undoubtedly one of the most mysterious events in life. Literature is among the mediums that allow people to explore and gain knowledge of death—a topic that in everyday life is often seen as taboo.  This article by Custom-Writing.org will: introduce the topic of death in literature and explain...

Nature Symbolism in Literature: Overview & Examples

Nature Symbolism in Literature: Overview & Examples

You can find depictions of nature in literary works of any culture. Nature usually serves as the backdrop for the plot. In addition, it helps us understand the story’s mood and hint at a deeper meaning. It also allows authors to demonstrate characters’ development and emotional state. Sound interesting? Then this article by our custom-writing team is for you! Here, you’ll find: nature...

Color Symbolism in Literature: Examples & Quotes

Color Symbolism in Literature: Examples & Quotes

What is a color on its own? It is merely a phenomenon of light: red, blue, green, and so on. But what is color as a symbol? In fact, it’s a fantastic tool of emotional expression. It is only natural that the symbolic use of color has become an irreplaceable literary device. In this article by Custom-Writing.org, you will learn about: Use of color symbolism with plenty of examples and...

logo

The Tempest

50 pages • 1 hour read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Act Summaries & Analyses

Act V-Epilogue

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Further Reading & Resources

What is Prospero’s purpose in bringing King Alonso’s ship to the island?

Why does Prospero think Caliban is an unredeemable beast? Why does Caliban hate Prospero? Is there any way for them to reconcile?

Caliban convinces Stephano to help him. What help does Caliban want, and what does he think of the outcome?

blurred text

Don't Miss Out!

Access Study Guide Now

Ready to dive in?

Get unlimited access to SuperSummary for only $ 0.70 /week

Related Titles

By William Shakespeare

All's Well That Ends Well

William Shakespeare

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Antony and Cleopatra

As You Like It

Henry IV, Part 1

Henry IV, Part 2

Henry VI, Part 1

Henry VI, Part 3

Julius Caesar

Love's Labour's Lost

Measure For Measure

Much Ado About Nothing

Featured Collections

Books made into movies.

View Collection

British Literature

Colonialism & postcolonialism, comedies & satirical plays, dramatic plays, elizabethan era, forgiveness, loyalty & betrayal, required reading lists, shakespeare.

essay questions on the tempest

The Tempest

William shakespeare, everything you need for every book you read..

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on William Shakespeare's The Tempest . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

The Tempest: Introduction

The tempest: plot summary, the tempest: detailed summary & analysis, the tempest: themes, the tempest: quotes, the tempest: characters, the tempest: symbols, the tempest: literary devices, the tempest: quizzes, the tempest: theme wheel, brief biography of william shakespeare.

The Tempest PDF

Other Books Related to The Tempest

  • Full Title: The Tempest
  • When Written: 1610-1611
  • Where Written: England
  • When Published: 1623
  • Literary Period: The Renaissance (1500-1660)
  • Genre: Romance
  • Setting: An unnamed island in the Mediterranean Sea
  • Climax: Ariel appears as a harpy before Antonio, Alonso, and Sebastian and condemns them for stealing Prospero's kingdom

Extra Credit for The Tempest

Shakespeare or Not? There are some who believe Shakespeare wasn't educated enough to write the plays attributed to him. The most common anti-Shakespeare theory is that Edward de Vere, the Earl of Oxford, wrote the plays and used Shakespeare as a front man because aristocrats were not supposed to write plays. Yet the evidence supporting Shakespeare's authorship far outweighs any evidence against. So until further notice, Shakespeare is still the most influential writer in the English language.

The LitCharts.com logo.

99 The Tempest Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best the tempest topic ideas & essay examples, 📌 most interesting the tempest topics to write about, 👍 good research topics about the tempest, ❓ the tempest essay questions.

  • Ronald Takaki’s “The Tempest in the Wilderness” Using The Tempest and other plays by Shakespeare, Ronald Takaki tried to show the examples of the attitude of the citizens of New England to Indians. One of the main reasons for Indians to be […]
  • The Tempest and the Rape of the Rock On the other hand, the poem the rape of the lock by Alexander Pope ridicules the habits of the upper-class people. We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
  • Claiming Caliban: “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare The character of Caliban is an opposition to that of Ariel, the other servant of prospero, in that Caliban is a human figure while Ariel is a spirit.
  • Comparison of Shakespeare The Tempest, T.S. Eliot The Wasteland, and Chinua Achebe Things Fall Apart Magic In the opening of the play Prospero is the one who, had conjured the storm in a desire to entice his, brother Antonio and the king of Naples, Alonso.
  • Narrative Techniques Used in Shakespeare’s The Tempest A density of narrative elements used in the play creates dynamics between the character and the plot, motif and problem by including techniques implied by the sources.
  • William Shakespeare: Father-Daughter Relationship in “The Tempest” One of the main conditions according to which a daughter is going to be protected in the future is the strong assuredness that a daughter is in good and loving hands, protected like under the […]
  • Perception of Satire in Gulliver’s Travels, The Tempest, and Diderot’s One of the most effective methods to ensure the satirical sounding of a particular episode in the work of literature, is to overplay the idea that people are actually quite capable of not even noticing […]
  • Post-Colonial Theory in “The Epic of Gilgamesh” and “The Tempest” In “The Epic of Gilgamesh”, the main character is shown to be sure of his own strength and righteousness of feelings and thoughts.
  • “The Epic of Gilgamesh” and “The Tempest” Analysis The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Tempest are two masterpieces, which reflect the life of people who lived in the times when the works were created.
  • The Theme of Servitude in “The Tempest” In addition, Ferdinand is used to show the theme of ‘service to duty’. In this case, it is clear that the reference to Caliban is used to show the different forms of servitude.
  • W. Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” and Its Main Characters For instance, he instructs Aerial to fly around the boat in which Antonio, Alonso and their acquaintances are, to cause a storm and consequent shipwreck, but finally manages to save all the occupants of the […]
  • The Tempest: Characters, Theme, and Personal Opinion Shakespeare’s play The Tempest is a story of the magical loss and restoration of the man’s power, wherein actions develop in the unchronological order, simultaneously showing past and present events.
  • “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare There is no doubt in the audience’s mind that all the tricks that Antonio thinks of are his own and he only expects to have all the riches to himself.
  • The Means in Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” However, in Ferdinand’s case, the emotional pain was the result of a misunderstanding after the ship wrecked, Ferdinand came to the assumption that he was the only survival completely on his own.
  • “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare Literature Analysis This is one of the main arguments that can be put forward. In particular, Ferdinand discovers that he can be committed to the needs of another person.
  • The Tempest and Wonder by Anthony Esolen Literature Analysis In this talk, Professor Esolen discusses the importance of wonder as one of the main themes in Shakespeare’s play The Tempest.
  • Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” Play Scene by Scene The scene opens with the frantic efforts of the master and the boatswain to save the ship and the people therein.
  • Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” by Blackfriars Playhouse By mimicking the style of performance that scholars and historians have established to have existed at the end of the 16th century in England, the staging brings forward certain originality.
  • Themes in “The Tempest” Play by W. Shakespeare The primary themes of The Tempest discussed in this paper are power dynamics, colonialism, and the concept of illusion and reality.
  • Analysis of “The Tempest” Picture by Giorgione The painting’s texture and medium are also relevant to the timeframe of its production, as the vast majority of the paintings were made on canvas with the help of oil paint, creating a somehow simulated […]
  • The Tempest: Ferdinand’s Self-Discovery For instance, Ferdinand promises to make Miranda “the queen of Naples” and it does not even occur to him that he may not be able to fulfill his promise.
  • Medieval and Classical Traditions in Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” In an introduction to The Tempest, Virginia Vaughan, and Alden Vaughan explore the theme of semantic similarity between Shakespeare and Virgil’s plays even to a further extent: “Shakespeare’s play is an imitation of the main […]
  • The Tempest by William Shakespeare: Symbol of Isolation In The Tempest, the sea is presented as a strict and impartial element: “When the sea is. In The Tempest, an island is a place of isolation for several people: great magician Prospero and his […]
  • Language Analysis of The Tempest by William Shakespeare Context: The boatswain of the ship carrying the Italian dignitaries is wrestling with the storm that threatens to destroy the entire ship and all its crew.
  • William Shakespeare’s Play “The Tempest” Considering that this character is not a person but a spirit, one should consider character traits and external features in revealing the character in the staged play.
  • Balinese Interpretation of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” The Balinese performance was more impressive than the Utah Valley University play because Shakespeare would have chosen the far more delicate quality of this performance to emphasize his ideas on the colonialism theme in “The […]
  • Use of Noise and Music in ”The Tempest” by William Shakespeare
  • The Two Different Extremes on the Social Spectrum in ”The Tempest”
  • Transformation by Theatre In Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”
  • The Primitive and the Civilized in Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”
  • The Thematic Role of Mise-en-Scene in Adaptations of “The Tempest”
  • The Story of Joseph in Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” vs. the Spirit of Revenge in Montaigne’s “Of Cannibals”
  • The Theme of Power in the Opening Two Scenes of “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare
  • The Dramatic Uses of Intoxication in Shakespeare’s play “The Tempest”
  • The Significance of Sound and Music in “The Tempest”
  • William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”: An Allegorical Tale of Life in the Theater
  • Vengeance and Forgiveness in Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”
  • The Concept of Humanism in Giovanni Boccaccio’s “Decameron” and William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”
  • The Moral Lessons in Euripides’ “Electra” and William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”
  • The Themes of Manipulation, Power, and Playing God in the Tragical History of “Dr. Faustus” by Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”
  • William Shakespeare’s Show of the Development of Prospero’s Character in “The Tempest”
  • The Use of Contrasts in Act One of “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare
  • Unholy Mothers: Mothers as Negative Characters in “Richard III,” “Cymbeline,” “Hamlet,” “Macbeth,” and “The Tempest”
  • The Role of Language in Shakespeare’s Play “The Tempest”
  • The Power of Magic Through Characters in Both “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare and “The Franklin’s Tale” by Geofferey Chaucer
  • The Presentation of Learning and Education in “The Tempest” and ‘Translations”
  • Colonialism and Slavery in “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare
  • The Contrasting Characters of Ferdinand and Caliban in “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare
  • The Significance of Time and Place: Comparing “The Tempest” and “The Winter’s Tale”
  • The Role of the Calibans in “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare
  • “The Tempest”: Natural Disasters, Early Shocks, and Children’s Short- and Long-Run Development
  • The Utopian Solution in “The Tempest”
  • The Portrayal of Duality Between Nature and Society in “The Tempest”
  • Discussion of the Historical Context of “The Tempest” With the Focus on Colonization
  • Water Symbolism in “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare
  • The Theme of Usurpation in “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare
  • Utopian Society in Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”
  • The Feminist Critical Approach to Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”
  • William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” and Relationships Between Master and Slave
  • Non-Human Beings in “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare
  • The Use of Music’s Power in William Shakespeare’s Play “The Tempest”
  • The Series of Treacheries and Rebellions in “The Tempest”
  • The Effect of the Changed Gender of Prospero in the Movie Adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”
  • The Development and Transformation of Prospero in “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare
  • The Similarities in Bradford’s “Of Plymouth Plantation” and Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”
  • The Analysis of Shakespeare’s Messages Hidden Behind the Central Themes in “The Tempest
  • The Tension Between Humanity and Nature in “The Tempest”
  • The Dream of a Better World and the Three-Fold Theme of Rebirth-Renewal-Redemption in William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”
  • The Role and Contributions of Prospero to “The Tempest”
  • How Does Prospero Change Throughout “The Tempest”?
  • Why Did His Brother Condemn Prospero to Death in “The Tempest”?
  • How Is Caliban Presented in “The Tempest”?
  • How Does Shakespeare Establish the Situation at the Start of “The Tempest”?
  • Why Did Prospero Decide to Give Up Magical Powers in “The Tempest”?
  • How Does Shakespeare Present Control and Power in Act Two Scene One of “The Tempest”?
  • Isn’t Caliban an Ironic Reflection of Prospero in “The Tempest”?
  • How Vital Are Audio Impressions and Noises in “The Tempest”?
  • How Does Shakespeare Present Parent-Child Relationships in “The Tempest”?
  • What Is the Reason for Prospero’s Expulsion in “The Tempest”?
  • How Does Shakespeare Present the Character of Prospero in “The Tempest”?
  • Why Does Ariel, Possessing Powerful Spells, Carry Out Prospero’s Instructions in “The Tempest”?
  • How Does the Composer Create Meaning in “The Tempest”?
  • What Do You Consider to Be Engaging About the Way Shakespeare Represents Prospero in “The Tempest”?
  • How Does the Relationship Between Prospero and Ariel Change During “The Tempest”?
  • What Is Miranda’s Function in the Play “The Tempest”?
  • How Effectively Does Shakespeare Present Caliban in “The Tempest”?
  • What Do You Find Interesting About the Way Magic Is Used to Manipulate and Intimidate Characters in “The Tempest”?
  • How Do Loyalty and Betrayal Affect “The Tempest”?
  • What Is the Role of Comic Scenes in the Play’s Plot of “The Tempest”?
  • How Does Prospero Use Magic in Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”?
  • How Did Shakespeare Capture the Audience’s Attention in Act One Scene One of “The Tempest”?
  • How Does “The Tempest” Reflect the Religious, Political, and Social Environment of the Jacobean Period?
  • What Roles Does Prospero Take on in “The Tempest”?
  • How Does Shakespeare Use the Masque Genre in “The Tempest”?
  • How Did Shakespeare Portray the Character of Caliban in “The Tempest”?
  • How Does “The Tempest” Show the Human Condition?
  • How Does Prospero’s Magic Differ From That of the Witch Sycorax in “The Tempest”?
  • How Does Shakespeare Present the Idea of Forgiveness at the End of “The Tempest”?
  • How Far Do You Agree That “The Tempest” Is a Play About the Use and Abuse of Power?
  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2023, December 8). 99 The Tempest Essay Topic Ideas & Examples. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/the-tempest-essay-examples/

"99 The Tempest Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." IvyPanda , 8 Dec. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/topic/the-tempest-essay-examples/.

IvyPanda . (2023) '99 The Tempest Essay Topic Ideas & Examples'. 8 December.

IvyPanda . 2023. "99 The Tempest Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." December 8, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/the-tempest-essay-examples/.

1. IvyPanda . "99 The Tempest Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." December 8, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/the-tempest-essay-examples/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "99 The Tempest Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." December 8, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/the-tempest-essay-examples/.

  • Much Ado About Nothing Paper Topics
  • Hamlet Essay Ideas
  • The Merchant Of Venice Paper Topics
  • A Midsummer Night’s Dream Titles
  • King Lear Research Ideas
  • Macbeth Ideas
  • Romeo and Juliet Research Topics
  • Othello Titles
  • Antigone Ideas
  • A Doll’s House Ideas
  • Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Research Topics
  • Paradise Lost Ideas
  • A Streetcar Named Desire Titles
  • Death of a Salesman Ideas
  • Oedipus the King Essay Topics

The Tempest (Film) Essay Questions

By julie taymor, essay questions.

These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own.

Written by people who wish to remain anonymous

How does Taymor's use of imagery upon the arrival of King Alonso, Antonio, Gonzalo and Sebastian to the island enhance the story?

Taymor shows King Alonso, Antonio, Gonzalo and Sebastian arriving coupled with the imagery of waves crashing upon the jagged rocks of its shore. The imagery coupled with the arrival of the royal shows that they are in uncharted territory. Their aristocracy will not keep them safe here as they are now apart of a land they do not know and that does not know them. Thus it enhances the great danger they could potentially fall into.

What is one way the director uses the landscape to tell the story visually?

Taymor shows Caliban eating beneath the surface of the black rock that Prospera and Miranda stand upon. The imagery enhances our understanding of the levels of society on the island. Prospera and Miranda are at the top of the hierarchy while Caliban has been pushed to live beneath its surface, to a place from which his greatest desire is to rise.

What does Prospera breaking her staff on the rocks symbolize?

At the end of the film, we watch as Prospera breaks her staff upon the rocks beneath her. It is a symbol that she is done with the magic that got her banished to this island. It notes the beginning of her life back in Italy with her family, and her reclaiming her life. With the magic she became like the island, lonely and unreachable, and she desires this condition no more.

Update this section!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this section.

After you claim a section you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.

GradeSaver will pay $15 for your literature essays

The Tempest (Film) Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Tempest (Film) is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

What does Prospero compare the show to?

Prospero compares the masque to life..... the masque, like life, will eventually disappear.

Who is prospers in good Grace's with?

I'm sorry, I do not understand your question as written. Please check your question and correct if necessary.

Who is miranda running towards and why?

There are so many versions of this film. Is this in an act/scene in the play?

Study Guide for The Tempest (Film)

The Tempest (Film) study guide contains a biography of Julie Taymor, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

  • About The Tempest (Film)
  • The Tempest (Film) Summary
  • Character List
  • Director's Influence

Essays for The Tempest (Film)

The Tempest (Film) essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Tempest (Film) by Julie Taymor.

  • Women in Shakespeare, Taymor, and Atwood: The Tempest Reworked

Wikipedia Entries for The Tempest (Film)

  • Introduction

essay questions on the tempest

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Writers — The Tempest

one px

Essays on The Tempest

The tempest essay, the tempest essays types.

  • Character Analysis Essay: In this type of essay, you can analyze the personalities, motivations, and relationships of different characters in the play.
  • Historical Context Essay: In this type of essay, you can explore how the play reflects the historical context of Shakespeare's time, such as the exploration and colonization of the New World.
  • Feminist Essay: This essay examines the portrayal of women in the play and how they challenge or reinforce gender roles.

Character Analysis: The Tempest Essay

  • Choose a character: Start by selecting a character from The Tempest that interests you the most. It could be a major character like Prospero or Miranda, or a minor character like Caliban or Ariel.
  • Conduct research: After selecting a character, gather information about them from the play, as well as from other critical sources such as essays, articles, and books. Look for information on the character's personality, background, motivations, and how they contribute to the story.
  • Create a thesis statement: Your thesis statement should be a clear and concise statement that summarizes your overall analysis of the character you have chosen. It should be based on the evidence you have collected and should guide the direction of your essay.
  • Develop an outline: Once you have your thesis statement, create an outline for your essay. This will help you organize your ideas and arguments, and ensure that you cover all the key points.
  • Use examples: To support your analysis, use specific examples from the play to illustrate the character's behavior, actions, and dialogue.
  • Analyze the character's development: As you write your essay, consider how the character changes throughout the play, and how their actions impact other characters and the overall plot.
  • Conclude with a summary: End your essay with a brief summary of your analysis and your overall opinion of the character.

Historical Context Essay on The Tempest

  • Conduct research: To write a historical context essay, you need to have a good understanding of the historical events and cultural influences that were present during the time period in which the play was written. Conducting thorough research can help you gain the knowledge and insights necessary to write an informed essay.
  • Understand the time period: The Tempest was written in the early 17th century, during a time of great change in England. The Renaissance was in full swing, and England was experiencing a period of great expansion and colonization. Understanding the time period and its key events can help you understand the context in which the play was written.
  • Analyze the play: Once you have a good understanding of the historical context in which The Tempest was written, you can begin to analyze the play itself in light of those factors. Look for themes and motifs in the play that reflect the cultural and political beliefs of the time, and examine how these themes relate to the historical context in which the play was written.
  • Use primary sources: To gain a deeper understanding of the historical context of The Tempest, it can be helpful to read primary sources from the time period. These can include historical documents, political speeches, and literary works from the time period.

Feminist Essay type

  • Read the play with a critical eye towards the portrayal of women. Look for instances where gender roles are reinforced or challenged, and examine how women are represented in the play.
  • Consider the historical context of the play and how it might have influenced Shakespeare's portrayal of women. The Elizabethan era was a time of strict gender roles, and women were generally not allowed to participate in public life.
  • Look for examples of female agency and empowerment in the play, and examine how these are represented. Consider how the female characters challenge traditional gender roles and expectations.
  • Consider how the play's portrayal of gender might have influenced its original audience, and how it might be interpreted by modern audiences.
  • Use feminist theory to inform your analysis. Consider how feminist literary criticism can help you to interpret the play and its themes.

Shakespearean Principles in The Tempest: Information, Integrity, and Compassion

Stuff: power and magic in the tempest, made-to-order essay as fast as you need it.

Each essay is customized to cater to your unique preferences

+ experts online

Analysis of How Caliban is Presented in The Tempest

The role of loyalty in shakespeare’s the tempest, analysis of prospero as a public ruler or solitary wizard in the tempest, the power of love in william shakespeare’s play the tempest, let us write you an essay from scratch.

  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Analysis of Prospero Portrayed as a Victim in The Tempest

The portrayal of caliban as a sensitive creature by shakespeare, the tempest from a post-colonial point of view, the use of words to paint: looking at the language as an art in the tempest, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

Expert-written essays crafted with your exact needs in mind

The Ulterior Theme in The Character of Miranda from The Tempest

Analysis of prospero's behavior in the tempest, daughters: the principal driving force in the tempest, the power over "the other": isolation and injustice in literature, elemental powers in shakespeare’s the tempest, shakespeare’s criticism of colonialism in acts 1 and 2 of the tempest, analysis of prospero and ariel relationship in the tempest, "creator" and "creature" monsters in the tempest and frankenstein, the obsessive creativity of prospero in the tempest, the refinement of caliban in the tempest, comic elements in our country's good and the tempest, the combination of love and witchcraft in the tempest, the story of joseph in shakespeare’s the tempest vs. the spirit of revenge in montaigne’s cannibals, significance of the menacing force of the sea in the tempest, the use of stories as a literary device in the tempest and othello, a cinematic perspective of the relationship between art and nature in the tempest, another version of prosperity: undermining the authority of prospero, the influence of caliban and ariel on prospero, the shakespearean dystopia of aldous huxley, power in doctor faustus and the tempest.

November 1, 1611

  • William Shakespeare

Shakespearean Comedy, Tragicomedy

Prospero, Miranda, Ariel, Caliban, Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, Ferdinand, Gonzalo, Adrian, Francisco, Trinculo, Stephano, Juno, Ceres, Iris, Master, Mariners, Boatswain, Nymphs, Reapers

c.1611 by William Shakespeare

Shakespeare’s tragicomedy is about a major act of betrayal, ill treatment, the development of magic arts and a plot of revenge.

Prospero, Miranda, Ariel, Caliban, Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, Ferdinand, Gonzalo, Adrian, Francisco, Trinculo, Stephano, Juno, Ceres

The play is set on a remote island and Prospero's home is near the shore. The island is inhabited by spirits, lead by Ariel, who have magical powers.

Prospero uses magic to conjure a storm and torment the survivors of a shipwreck, including the King of Naples and Prospero’s treacherous brother, Antonio. The King’s young son Ferdinand, thought to be dead, falls in love with Prospero’s daughter Miranda. Their celebrations are cut short when Prospero confronts his brother and reveals his identity as the usurped Duke of Milan. The families are reunited and all conflict is resolved. Prospero grants Ariel his freedom and prepares to leave the island.

“Hell is empty and all the devils are here.” “We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep.” “What's past is prologue.”

Relevant topics

  • Benjamin Banneker
  • Leonardo Da Vinci
  • Maya Angelou
  • Amelia Earhart
  • Langston Hughes
  • Thank You Ma Am
  • Of Mice and Men
  • The Crucible

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

  • Instructions Followed To The Letter
  • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
  • Unique And Plagiarism Free

essay questions on the tempest

essay questions on the tempest

  • My Preferences
  • My Reading List
  • The Tempest

William Shakespeare

  • Literature Notes
  • Play Summary
  • About The Tempest
  • Character List
  • Summary and Analysis
  • Act I: Scene 1
  • Act I: Scene 2
  • Act II: Scene 1
  • Act II: Scene 2
  • Act III: Scene 1
  • Act III: Scene 2
  • Act III: Scene 3
  • Act IV: Scene 1
  • Act V: Scene 1
  • Act V: Epilogue
  • Character Analysis
  • Character Map
  • William Shakespeare Biography
  • Critical Essays
  • Caliban and the Natural World
  • The Tempest as a Political Romance
  • Famous Quotes from The Tempest
  • Film Versions of The Tempest
  • Full Glossary for The Tempest
  • Essay Questions
  • Practice Projects
  • Cite this Literature Note

Summary and Analysis Act II: Scene 1

This scene opens with all the passengers from the ship, except for Ferdinand, gathered on stage. Gonzalo begins with a speech celebrating their survival of the storm and their relative safety on the island, but King Alonso cannot be cheered because he is sure that his missing son, Ferdinand, has drowned. In the meantime, Antonio and Sebastian whisper among themselves and belittle both Alonso's grief and Gonzalo's cheer.

When Antonio and Sebastian join the general conversation around the king, they make no attempt to soothe him. Instead, they tell Alonso that he should not have permitted his daughter to marry the African. Sebastian tells Alonso that, had he not permitted the marriage, the royal party would not have been at sea and, thus, never in the storm. In short, Ferdinand would still be alive if Alonso had acted properly. These are harsh words to the grieving father, and Gonzalo gently chastises Sebastian for his insensitivity.

Ariel now enters, unseen by the group on stage, and puts all of them to sleep, except for Sebastian and Antonio. Left awake, Antonio and Sebastian devise a plot in which Sebastian will seize his brother's crown, much as Antonio had years earlier seized his brother's title and property. Although Sebastian has some concerns of conscience, Antonio dismisses such worries and urges action while everyone is asleep. Sebastian needs little convincing, and with Antonio, the two draw their swords and advance on the sleeping king and his party.

At this moment, Ariel takes action. He awakens Gonzalo in time to prevent the murders. Antonio and Sebastian quickly concoct a story to explain their drawn swords, warning of great noise, as if from bulls or lions. Alonso is easily convinced of his brother's sincerity, and the scene ends with the royal party leaving the stage in search of Ferdinand.

This act better defines the personalities of the king's party and more clearly establishes the good characters from the bad. Alonso's first thought is for his son's well-being. In Act I, Prospero's tale of Alonso's complicity in his personal tragedy created an image of an uncaring ruler, one who was willing to overlook Antonio's deceit as long as it was beneficial to the king. But now, the picture is that of a grief-stricken father, beyond comfort. Alonso says little, but Gonzalo's efforts to care for and cheer his king, and the efforts of Adrian and Francisco to comfort their king, reflect well on Alonso's character.

Gonzalo's character is also realized in more depth than in Act I, where his attention was focused on the storm and on the boatswain's insolence. Beyond the efforts to comfort and reassure his king, Gonzalo relates a vision of a utopian society. In this society, he would be king. There would be no commerce or law and no servant class. No one would grow food, and no one would work. Nature would simply create all that men needed. This vision reveals that Gonzalo, too, has some concerns about authority and privilege. In Gonzalo's vision, there would be no inherited wealth, and land would not be enclosed. Thus, there would be no aristocracy and no country estates. In short, the source of many of the conflicts that exist in English society would be eliminated. Gonzalo wants the authority that Alonso holds, since Gonzalo would be king in this visionary world, but he lacks the impetus to put his dreams into actions, as Antonio and Sebastian would do. In spite of his dreams of personal grandeur, Gonzalo is capable of seeing the positive aspects of their situation. He alone realizes that their survival of the storm is an achievement. He is thankful that they have landed on such a lovely island, and he remains hopeful that Ferdinand has survived. Gonzalo's outlook is positive in many ways, but his utopian dream indicates that there is a complexity to his personality. On the surface he appears happy with his situation, but his dreams of being king reveal that he is not completely satisfied with his lot in life.

In contrast, Antonio and Sebastian's characters are developing as unpleasant and arrogant. Their sarcastic asides counter Gonzalo's good humor. They justly point out the flaws in Gonzalo's utopian dream, but they go beyond pointing out the flaws to compete between themselves to see who can devise the cruelest ridicule of both Alonso and Gonzalo. The two are reminiscent of schoolboys, who giggle and whisper in the back of a classroom, in defiance of their teacher. And like schoolboys, Antonio and Sebastian are capable of cruelty, as when they tell Alonso that had he not married his daughter to the African, they would not be on this journey and Ferdinand would not be drowned. They are more than thoughtless and cruel, since they are also capable of forming a conspiracy to murder their king and Sebastian's brother.

Sebastian and Antonio's action hearkens back to the scene between the boatswain and Alonso in Act I. Alonso is king and represents authority. To plot his murder and to seize the crown is to usurp authority given by God. In England, the idea that a king was anointed by god was a crucial point in maintaining authority over the people. To kill God's representative on earth was a rebellion against the highest authority in the heavens. These two conspirators seek greater freedom and power than they are entitled to, and so they plot a coup. However, they forget that they are stranded on this island, with no kingdom to assume. Their plot to make Sebastian king neglects to ask king of what? They are far from Naples, with little expectation of rescue. Indeed, they never mention rescue, and thus, their plot to murder the king and seize his title would make Sebastian king of nothing.

The blending of illusion and reality, which was created in Act I with the imaginary storm, is carried forward in this scene, with Gonzalo's observation that their clothing is unharmed by the salt water, appearing as it did before the storm occurred. Gonzalo envisions a utopia, but the impossibility of such a thing happening is best illustrated by Antonio and Sebastian's plot. Even when there is no reason to plot a murder, they do so. It is in their nature, and one reason why Gonzalo's vision lacks reality is simply because it neglects to consider human nature, which fails to bow to illusion.

The party's whole existence on the island is an illusion and nothing is as it appears. Behind the scene and watching and manipulating all the action is Prospero. Although he never appears in this scene, he is very much present, functioning as a god-like entity. Antonio and Sebastian's swords are stayed because a higher authority prevents their actions. Prospero functions as a god would, protecting the innocent and guiding the action. However, Prospero is not a god, and that, perhaps, is the greatest illusion of all.

tawny brownish-yellow; here used to mean that the sun has turned the ground a parched brown color.

rate opinion.

bourn a limit; boundary. Here used to mean that no land would be divided among landowners.

foison plenty; here, specifically, an abundance of produce.

hereditary sloth the natural inclination of a younger brother to be lazy, according to Sebastian, who sees the lack of a hereditary title as a reason to achieve nothing on his own.

feater more graceful. Here, Antonio's new rank — and clothes that befit it — looks graceful on him.

kibe a chapped or ulcerated sore, esp. on the heel. If Antonio's conscience were a sore on his foot, Antonio might put on a slipper.

Previous Scene 2

Next Scene 2

has been added to your

Reading List!

Removing #book# from your Reading List will also remove any bookmarked pages associated with this title.

Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# and any corresponding bookmarks?

IMAGES

  1. The Tempest Essay

    essay questions on the tempest

  2. The Tempest: Essay Writing Guide for GCSE (9-1)

    essay questions on the tempest

  3. The Tempest Questions

    essay questions on the tempest

  4. KS4 Tempest: (11) Essay Writing/Revision

    essay questions on the tempest

  5. Discovery Essay (The Tempest with 2 Related)

    essay questions on the tempest

  6. How to Write a Comparative The Tempest Hag-Seed Essay

    essay questions on the tempest

VIDEO

  1. How to write an A+ essay in Medical School EVERY TIME ✍🏼

  2. ENGLISH LITERATURE || TEMPEST BY SHAKESPEARE || QUIZ || QUESTIONS AND CHARACTERS

  3. essay type important questions vistas class 12 english hbse cbse by vijay kumar

  4. Answering YOUR Q&A Questions!

  5. [VIETSUB] SHOWCHAMP Essay

  6. Online Education

COMMENTS

  1. The Tempest: Suggested Essay Topics

    4. Analyze the tempest scene in Act I, scene i. Topics to discuss include the following. How does Shakespeare use the very limited resources of his bare stage to create a sense of realism? How are we introduced to the characters? How does this introduction affect our perception of them later?

  2. Essay Questions

    1. How does Prospero's magic differ from that of the witch, Sycorax? 2. Prospero's need for revenge could easily have led to tragedy. Compare The Tempest to one of Shakespeare's tragedies, such as Hamlet. What elements of revenge are present in both plays? How are they different? In what way is Prospero's revenge neutralized by romance? 3.

  3. The Tempest Essay Questions

    by William Shakespeare Buy Study Guide The Tempest Essay Questions 1 To what extent can Prospero can be considered the protagonist of the play? Many would agree that Prospero is the protagonist of the play, given that he starts out as a sympathetic character who has been robbed of his station and betrayed by his brother.

  4. The Tempest Essay Topics & Examples

    4 min Updated: September 14th, 2022 Print The Tempest Essay Topics & Examples (1 votes) Students' life is a bumpy ride, and sometimes you can end up with several vital assignments all of which are due the next day. Custom-Writing.org experts have prepared a compilation of The Tempest essay topics.

  5. The Tempest: A+ Student Essay

    When she sees the shipwrecked men for the first time and exclaims "O brave new world!" her father can only cynically imply that the world's newness will soon wear off, exposing a vast network of schemers and thieves. He tells Antonio that his behavior is unnatural, but he means that his behavior should be unnatural.

  6. The Tempest Suggested Essay Topics

    2. Gonzalo keeps a sense of humor in spite of the chaos of the storm. Write an essay explaining his joke concerning the Boatswain. Why did he think the Boatswain was the kind of fellow who was...

  7. The Tempest Essay Topics and Outlines

    The following Suggested Essay Topics are some ideas for papers that may be written on The Tempest by William Shakespeare. The suggestions are designed to provide you with both a starting point and ...

  8. The Tempest Essay Topics

    Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Study Guide of "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare. A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

  9. The Tempest Study Guide

    The Tempest first appeared in print as the first play in Shakespeare's 1623 Folio. It has been variously regarded as a highlight of Shakespeare's dramatic output, as a representation of the essence of human life, and as containing Shakespeare's most autobiographical character, in the form of Prospero the magician-ruler. The 1623 text appears to have few omissions or corruptions in the text ...

  10. The Tempest Questions and Answers

    What does he believe Prospero did wrong? Why does Prospero give up his magic and speak of mercy in The Tempest's final act? What does Gonzalo say about the commonwealth in Act 2, Scene 1 of The...

  11. The Tempest Essay Topics: Writing Guide And Key Tips

    Step 1: Put a Question List of The Tempest Essay Topics with Clarifications Prospero, Caliban, Antonio - who would be the best lord of the island? Almost every character in the play at different times shows a desire to become the island's lord. Choose a few of them and compare their motives. How does each of them imagine their rule?

  12. The Tempest Essay Topics

    Are you a student or a teacher? The Tempest is one of Shakespeare's great comedies, and it can be really fun and meaningful for students. This lesson offers some essay topics that...

  13. The Tempest Study Guide

    The Tempest is different from many of Shakespeare's plays in that it does not derive from one clear source. The play does, however, draw on many of the motifs common to Shakespeare's works. These include the painful parting of a father with his daughter, jealousy and hatred between brothers, the usurpation of a legitimate ruler, the play-within-a-play, and the experiences of courtiers ...

  14. 99 The Tempest Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

    The Tempest: Characters, Theme, and Personal Opinion. Shakespeare's play The Tempest is a story of the magical loss and restoration of the man's power, wherein actions develop in the unchronological order, simultaneously showing past and present events. "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare.

  15. The Tempest (Film) Essay Questions

    Written by people who wish to remain anonymous. 1. How does Taymor's use of imagery upon the arrival of King Alonso, Antonio, Gonzalo and Sebastian to the island enhance the story? Taymor shows King Alonso, Antonio, Gonzalo and Sebastian arriving coupled with the imagery of waves crashing upon the jagged rocks of its shore.

  16. The Tempest: Study Guide

    Set on a remote island, the story follows Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan, who uses his magical powers to create a tempest that shipwrecks his usurping brother, Antonio, and other nobles on the island. Prospero seeks justice and orchestrates a series of events to confront those who wronged him.

  17. Essays on The Tempest

    1 page / 471 words How is Caliban presented in "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare? This essay will discover Shakespeare's portrayal of Caliban as that of a savage beast and a slave of the witch, Prospero. Caliban is the son of Sycorax, a wicked witch who once ruled over the... The Tempest Character William Shakespeare Topics:

  18. The Tempest Summary

    | Certified Educator Last Updated September 5, 2023. During a tremendous storm, a ship carrying passengers from several Italian kingdoms runs aground. The action begins on board, as the titular...

  19. Scene 1

    Sebastian needs little convincing, and with Antonio, the two draw their swords and advance on the sleeping king and his party. At this moment, Ariel takes action. He awakens Gonzalo in time to prevent the murders. Antonio and Sebastian quickly concoct a story to explain their drawn swords, warning of great noise, as if from bulls or lions.

  20. The Tempest Themes

    Discussion of themes and motifs in William Shakespeare's The Tempest. eNotes critical analyses help you gain a deeper understanding of The Tempest so you can excel on your essay or test.

  21. The Tempest: Full Book Analysis

    Full Book Analysis. Prospero's desire to return home to Italy and reclaim his position as the rightful Duke of Milan drives the plot of The Tempest. However, we don't know about Prospero's history until the second scene of the play. Instead, the play begins by hurtling the audience straight into the action. The first scene opens on a ship ...