Context Links to The Tempest

The Basics:
When did Shakespeare write this play and what is significant about it for
him?
1610-1611. It’s his last play.

What was the ‘The Divine Right of Kings’?

kings derived their authority from God and could

not therefore be held accountable for their actions
by any earthly authority such as a parliament.

What is this on the right and why is it relevant?

The Great Chain of Being: Everyone's position in
society is predetermined by God. To seek to
change the positions is to challenge God's will, and
hence is a great sin.
It is an important theme in The Tempest because it
gives order and an unbreakable, restrained
structure for the characters.

What were the consequences of going against this ‘natural order’? Link it to The Tempest.
Going against the natural order led to negative consequences.
Prospero is overthrown by Antonio. This act of betrayal disrupts the natural order and goes
against familial trust, leading to conflict and the revenge on the island.
Prospero uses his magic to create a storm that shipwrecks Antonio and others on the
island. The natural order is disrupted as the aristocrats faced an unfamiliar environment
which they struggled to survive.

Who was the original audience of this play and why is this relevant to the
plot, the themes and the style of it?
The Tempest was first performed at Court for King James I in 1611.
It was performed again during the festivities in celebration of the
marriage of King James's daughter Elizabeth.
The play explores themes of power, authority, and the responsibilities of
rulers. These themes would have resonated with a royal audience, reflecting
the political concerns of the time.
The play also touches on themes of colonization and the treatment of
indigenous people, which is relevant to the audience living in an era of
European exploration and colonial expansion.

In "The Tempest," the use of poetic language, metaphors, and wordplay is

prominent, appealing to an audience that appreciated linguistic
sophistication.
What was this? Why relevant to this
play?

"The Tempest" can be interpreted as an

allegorical exploration of the encounter
between European colonizers and native
populations in the Americas. The character
of Caliban, the indigenous inhabitant of the
island, can be seen as representative of the
native people encountered by European
explorers in the Americas.

What was colonialism according the to contemporary time period?

In the 15th century, colonialism was a practice in which European nations established
overseas colonies. This colonial expansion involved various elements, such as
exploration, territorial acquisition, economic exploitation, cultural encounters, and political
control. Colonialism often resulted in the exploitation and oppression of indigenous
people.

How might we now perceive this idea now?

Colonialism is now widely criticized and condemned for the human rights abuses,
cultural destruction, and economic exploitation that often accompanied it.
Contemporary perceptions emphasize the suffering and injustices endured by
indigenous people.

How does the character of Caliban embody

these concepts?
Caliban’s subjugation by Prospero and his
longing for freedom can be seen as
representing the power dynamics that were
prevalent during the age of colonization.