The Tempest - William Shakespeare – Magic, Learning and Power

A concise and professionally structured resource exploring how Shakespeare links knowledge, magic, authority and moral responsibility in The Tempest.

This resource provides focused analysis of magic, learning and power in The Tempest, examining Prospero’s books, magic as dramatic control, Ariel’s service, Caliban’s local knowledge and resistance, Miranda’s controlled knowledge, Antonio and Sebastian’s cleverness without wisdom, and Prospero’s final renunciation of magic.

Key features:

• Clear analysis of how learning gives Prospero power while also exposing the dangers of control
• Focus on Prospero, Ariel, Caliban, Miranda, Ferdinand, Antonio, Sebastian, Alonso and Gonzalo
• Exploration of books, study, language, illusion, freedom, domination, mercy, responsibility and restraint
• Activities to reinforce and practise key concepts, including quotation analysis, short explanation, open interpretation, creative comic planning and island power mapping
• Detailed answer key included for straightforward checking and review