Year 7 - English
Planning an essay on Prospero's power over Caliban in 'The Tempest'
'The Tempest'
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils learn about the plot and characters of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', and read sections of the play. They explore how Prospero treats Ariel, Caliban and Miranda, and write monlogues from their perspectives. Finally, they write and perform their own monologues inspired by the play.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to plan an essay that explores how Prospero exerts his power over Caliban.
Key Notes
- Analysing language means looking at specific words in close detail and explaining their effect on the reader.
- An argument is where you present your idea about the text and convince the reader that it is correct.
- An essay plan should include a thesis statement which explains the overarching argument.
- Prospero treats Caliban cruelly through his language and actions.
- Arguably, Shakespeare may have been suggesting that the colonists' treatment of indigenous people was cruel.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Slave: A slave is a person who is forced to work for and obey someone else and is considered their property.
- Cruelty: Being cruel to someone means deliberately inflicting pain or suffering.
- Exploitation: Exploitation is the act of using someone unfairly for your own advantage.
- Power: If you are able to direct or influence the behaviour of others or the course of events, then you have power.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- That an argument only means a heated, angry exchange.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Analysing language means looking at specific words in close detail and explaining their effect on the reader. An argument is where you present your idea about the text and convince the reader that it is correct.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'Slave'
A slave is a person who is forced to work for and obey someone else and is considered their property.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: That an argument only means a heated, angry exchange. Correction: An argument about a text means presenting your idea and your points to prove that your idea is correct.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Comparing the Shakespearean theatre experience with modern theatre Study Guide
- Considering Caliban as an outsider in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' Study Guide
- Considering how to use body language and voice to perform a convincing monologue Study Guide
- Consolidating our understanding of the plot of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' Study Guide
- Constructing a debate on the presentation of Caliban in 'The Tempest' Study Guide
- Crafting a monologue from the perspective of Caliban from 'The Tempest' Study Guide
- Crafting a monologue in Ariel's voice from Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' Study Guide
- Exploring Prospero and Caliban's relationship in Act 1 Scene 2 of 'The Tempest' Study Guide
- Exploring Prospero's power over Caliban in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' Study Guide
- Exploring Prospero's power over Miranda in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' Study Guide
- Exploring Shakespearean theatre as a sensory experience Study Guide
- Exploring the power dynamics between Prospero and Ariel in 'The Tempest' Study Guide
- Exploring the treatment of Caliban in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' Study Guide
- Improving an essay on Prospero's power over Caliban in 'The Tempest' Study Guide
- Introducing the role and presentation of Ariel in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' Study Guide
- Revising the theme of inequality in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' Study Guide
- Structuring an imaginative monologue in relation to Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' Study Guide
- Understanding Caliban's role and presentation in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' Study Guide
- Understanding the characters of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' Study Guide
- Understanding the perspective of an outsider in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' Study Guide
- Understanding the plot of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' Study Guide
- Understanding the portrayal of Miranda in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' Study Guide
- Writing a diary in the voice of Miranda from Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' Study Guide
- Writing a monologue in Ariel's voice from Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' Study Guide
- Writing about Prospero's treatment of Ariel in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' Study Guide
- Writing an essay on Prospero's treatment of Caliban in 'The Tempest' Study Guide
- Writing the monologue of an outsider in relation to Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' Study Guide
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