Thursday, December 2, 2010

The Tempest - A New Approach?

While one can find many similarities throughout Shakespeare's literary works, power of language, unrequited, forbidden love, betrayal etc. there are also many distinct differences in the style and message he tries to portray through each play. The Tempest takes on a whole new element of magic, illusion and imagination not seen as evident in Shakespeare's other works. The Tempest has a lot of imagery that allows the audience or reader to escape into a whole different world, when reading the play there in no doubt that the readers imagination is at work. The play starts with imagery of a storm and shipwreck that screams drama, chaos, confusion and almost foreshadows tragedy. The strong use of storm imagery gives the audience a feel for the play right at the start, conflict. While a storm appears to be a natural disaster as you read on you find out things aren't always as they seem.

1 comment:

A said...

Since the play is supposed to take place in a foreign land that is secluded by water, I think that this also adds to the mysterious and exciting imagery of the play. I do think that Shakespeare had exciting imagery in other plays too, but I see what you are saying. The beginning of the play, as you mentioned, is very exciting and a great beginning for an exciting performance.