CONTEXT Flashcards
(10 cards)
When was it written
1610
What period was it written in
Renaissance - thirst for knowledge
Elizabethan era
Period of colonisation
Also period of instability
Noble savage
Rousseau’s romantic conception of man enjoying a natural and noble existence until civilization makes him a slave to unnatural wants and corrupts him.
Performance and audience
The Tempest was likely performed at the Blackfriars Theatre, which catered to a wealthier audience compared to the Globe Theatre. This setting influenced the nature of the performance and the themes explored.
The divine right of kings
The Jacobean era was steeped in the belief in the divine right of kings, where monarchs were seen as ordained by God to rule. This belief is subtly echoed in the power struggles within the play.
Prospero’s control over the island and his desire to restore his dukedom can be interpreted as a commentary on rightful rule and the legitimacy of authority.
Kind of blasphemy by alonso???
Influence of the occult
The character of Ariel, a spirit bound to serve Prospero, represents the power and danger associated with magical forces. This reflects contemporary beliefs about spirits and magic, as well as the potential consequences of wielding such power.
The renaissance and search for knowledge
The play is infused with themes of magic and the supernatural, reflecting the Renaissance fascination with alchemy, science, and the occult. This was a time when the boundaries between magic and science were often blurred.
Prospero’s magic can be seen as a metaphor for the pursuit of knowledge and the control it can afford over nature and others, mirroring the era’s explorations into the unknown.
The impact of the new world
Shakespeare’s audience would have been aware of the various reports and tales about the New World, including the exoticism and perceived savagery of its inhabitants.
The island in The Tempest can be interpreted as a microcosm of the colonial experience, raising questions about authority, governance, and the moral implications of colonisation.
Colonisation and exploration
