Year 7 - English
Understanding the plot of Shakespeare's '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 understand the conventions of a comedy play and describe the plot of 'The Tempest'.
Key Notes
- Shakespeare's company was supported by King James I which meant Shakespeare would likely want to appeal to the King.
- 'The Tempest' is a comedy which means it has a happy ending.
- Prospero is served by a spirit, Ariel, and a creature, Caliban.
- Prospero uses his magic to manipulate and control others.
- Prospero eventually forgives the traitors and frees Ariel and the play ends with a celebration.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Patronage: Patronage is the support, encouragement, or financial aid that an organisation or individual gives to another.
- Usurp: If you usurp something then you have taken a position of power illegally or by force.
- Spirit: A spirit is a supernatural being.
- Freedom: Being free is having the power or right to act, speak or think as you want.
- Revenge: Revenge is the act of harming someone in return for an injury or injustice that they have inflicted on you.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- The defining feature of a comedy play is that they are funny.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Shakespeare's company was supported by King James I which meant Shakespeare would likely want to appeal to the King. 'The Tempest' is a comedy which means it has a happy ending.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'Patronage'
Patronage is the support, encouragement, or financial aid that an organisation or individual gives to another.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: The defining feature of a comedy play is that they are funny. Correction: While Shakespeare's comedies do employ humour, the defining feature is that everything is resolved at the end of the play.
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
- Planning an essay on Prospero's power over Caliban in '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 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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