Slides on The Tempest, Shakespeare: Analysis
Lesson Slider Slide 1: Prospero's Goal and the Start of the Play
Prospero's wish to return to Italy and reclaim his position as Duke of Milan drives the plot of The Tempest. However, we only learn about Prospero’s past in the second scene. The play begins with immediate action, placing the audience in the middle of a storm on a ship. By starting in chaos, Shakespeare uses the literary technique “ in medias res ,” engaging the audience immediately. We meet Prospero in the second scene, discovering he created the storm to shipwreck his enemies on the island, which sets the plot in motion.
Goal: Reclaim his position as Duke of Milan Technique: In medias res Action: Creates a storm to shipwreck enemies Slide 2: Prospero's Backstory and Motivation
In the second scene, we learn that Prospero was the Duke of Milan until his brother Antonio, with Alonso, King of Naples, conspired to overthrow him. With Gonzalo's help, Prospero escaped and has lived on the islan…