THE TEMPEST • Understand the function of dramatic techniques in the play. • Examine the use of symbols and imagery in the play. • Dramatic Techniques are all the devices a playwright uses to represent his ideas. • You might also see them referred to as ‘dramatic devices’ or ‘theatrical techniques’. • They are used to enhance the performance of the play and engage the audience which then leads to a greater appreciation. • At the beginning of The Tempest, we are enthralled by the mighty storm and conflict among the characters; by the end, we are mystified by the magic and illusion. • NOTE: In understanding the function of dramatic techniques, it is important to keep in mind that a play is meant to be performed and not just read. It is in this respect that the symbols, motifs, imagery. Masques and other devices become important to the play. imagery prose masque noises and repetition music Dramatic Techniques allusion soliloquy dramatic asides irony antithesis hyphen personification • In the play each character is given a distinct language style; some speak in poetry and others in prose. • There is the use of figurative language incorporating nature images, which is in keeping with the island setting of the play. • In addition you will find comic elements of language, amid the tragic situations of the play. • With the use of this flexible language style, Shakespeare’s characters can express their fears, hopes, innermost thoughts and gestures to enthrall and entertain the audience. • As the characters are together on an island, Shakespeare captures the essence of the setting with many natural images. • For example, in Act 2 Scene 1 Adrian says in a conversation about the island, “the air breathes upon us here most sweetly.” • In Act 3 Scene 3 Alonso in a haunting experience says, “the winds did sing it to me and the thunder that deep organ.” • Figurative language is used to appeal to your senses and so heighten your emotions. Here are some examples used in the play. • Sound devices (alliteration, assonance and onomatopoia) – in Act 1 Scene 2 Ariel sings to Ferdinand when he reaches the island, “Hark, Hark, I hear the strain of strutting chanticleer cry cook-a-diddle-do!” • Antithesis – Act 5 Scene 1 • Metaphor – Antonio trivialises death as a “perpetual wink” in Act 2 Scene 1 (line 273) in order to persuade Sebastian to kill his brother for the kingdom. • Personification – In Act 1 Scene 2 (line 391) • Simile – “Thou shalt be free like mountain winds” Act 1 Sc 2 (line 501-2) • Symbols can take the form of an object, action, event or word. • They are used by playwrights to enhance or give a deeper meaning to the play. • In The Tempest the dominant images include the sea, books, chess and nature. • The title of the play, The Tempest., refers to a stormy sea and Prospero summons the mighty tempest to take revenge on the characters who wronged him. Thus the sea represents Prospero’s battleground and vengeance for his opponents. • Also, it represents the suffering he endures when he is put on a boat and sent to sea. It can be said that the sea that displaces Prospero, also displaces the noblemen. • The stormy sea also represents social disorder; in the tempestuous storm, the Boatswain contests King Alonso and the noblemen. This erupts in conflict and arguments about hierarchical rule in the open sea. • Note: while the tempest captures the power and force of Prospero’s magic, it also captures is mercy; by the end of the play, the calm sea takes them home and all is forgiven with new beginnings. • These are placed in Prospero’s boat by Gonzalo when his position is usurped. They represent Prospero’s magic and power. • Caliban knows that he has to tell Stephano and Trinculo to destroy the books before they can destroy Prospero in Act 2 Scene 2. • In the rest of the play, the books are used to restore order and bring justice to the play. • When Prospero’s plans are accomplished, he throws them into the sea (Act 5 Scene 1) suggesting that order is restored and magic is no longer necessary. • It can be said that Shakespeare represents himself through the character Prospero, • Just as Prospero gets rid of his books, so too Shakespeare brings closure to his career as a dramatist, thus completing his journey as a writer and fulfilling the needs of a diverse and timeless audience. We are pleased as the main curtain is drawn. • Ferdinand and Miranda are revealed playing chess at the end of the play. It can be said that due to the game of power struggles, Ferdinand and Miranda found each other on the island. • Moreover, Prospero orchestrated the game of love between them and eventually allowed them to discover each other. • In another instance, the game of chess represents the conquering of rulers; Antonio and Alonso plot carefully to conquer Prospero. • On the other hand, there is also a quest for Caliban to conquer Prospero through Stephano and Trinculo, and for Prospero to expose King Alonso. • Prospero uses the characters as pawns (Ariel, Caliban, Ferdinand) to bring love, justice and order in the play. • The main images in The Tempest include the shipwreck, the supernatural and clasping of hands. • THE SHIPWRECK • It is a sign of things to come in the play. It is associated with Prospero’s magic, intelligence, power and his quest for revenge and justice. • The ship brings all of the characters together on the island and serves as a vessel that transports them to their fate. • This is seen throughout the play; • Prospero uses his magic to create the storm that traps the characters on the island. Similarly, Ariel. The nymphs, fairies and goddesses are used as part of Prospero’s plan to trick the characters. • A false banquet is used to demonstrate Prospero’s power and marks the beginning of justice for the men. • The goddesses are used to celebrate the marriage of Ferdinand and Miranda, while strange noises, music and song are used to both calm and bring messages to characters on the island. • We first see the image of hands when Alonso is praying on the boat for the crew’s survival. • It shows us that even a king has to surrender to greater powers. • Miranda is offered Ferdinand’s hands as an act of love and Prospero requests the applause of the audience to bring closure to the play, when all is reconciled.
