Understanding Shakespeare: The Tempest by Robert A. Albano - HTML preview

3. “On Cannibals” by Michel de Montaigne: in 1580, the author wrote how, in the New World, natural life was uncorrupted by civilization. Such a view would be later adopted in the Romantic concept of “primitivism.” Gonzalo’s speech on how he would rule island (Act II, 1: 147-56) directly reflects the ideas of this essay .

4. Several accounts of sea wrecks appeared in pamphlets during the Renaissance. Most notably, the ship Sea Venture sailed in June of 1609 towards Virginia to support John Smith’s company. It became separated by a hurricane and crashed on the coast of Bermuda.

COMMENTS from the CRITICS

Joseph Rosenblum (A Reader’s Guide

to Shakespeare):

Written toward the close of William Shakespeare’s career, The Tempest is a work of fantasy and courtly romance, the story of a wise old magician, his beautiful unworldly daughter, a gallant young prince, and a cruel scheming brother. It contains all the elements of a fairy tale in which ancient wrongs are righted and true lovers live happily ever after. The play is also one of poetic atmosphere and allegory. Beginning with a storm and peril at sea, it ends on a note of serenity and joy. None of Shakespeare’s other dramas holds so much of the author’s mature reflection on life itself.