The Tempest - William Shakespeare – Power and Control

A concise and professionally structured resource exploring how Shakespeare presents power as necessary, unstable and morally complex in The Tempest.

This resource provides focused analysis of power and control in The Tempest, examining Prospero as wronged ruler and controlling master, magic as theatrical authority, narrative control, Caliban’s claim to land and identity, Ariel’s service and desire for freedom, Antonio’s political ambition, Ferdinand’s testing, and Prospero’s final movement towards restraint and mercy.

Key features:

• Clear analysis of how power is gained, used, resisted and finally limited across the play
• Focus on Prospero, Miranda, Ariel, Caliban, Ferdinand, Antonio, Sebastian and Alonso
• Exploration of authority, domination, legitimacy, coercion, storytelling, resistance, freedom and self-control
• Activities to reinforce and practise key concepts, including evidence explanation, character focus, dramatic methods, creative first-person response and symbolic power mapping
• Detailed answer key included for straightforward checking and review