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The Tempest Facts & Worksheets

“The Tempest” is a play written by William Shakespeare around 1610 to 1611. As one of Shakespeare’s later works, it is often categorized as a tragicomedy, which is a mix of different story elements, including magic, funny moments, and a bit of sadness.

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“The Tempest” is a play written by William Shakespeare around 1610 to 1611. As one of Shakespeare’s later works, it is often categorized as a tragicomedy, which is a mix of different story elements, including magic, funny moments, and a bit of sadness. The story is about how a powerful magician named Prospero uses his magic to solve problems and bring about a happy ending. “The Tempest” is thought to be one of Shakespeare’s intricate and poetic plays, showing how Shakespeare was interested in human nature and how forgiving others can bring about positive changes.

See the fact file below for more information about the Theater Study, The Tempest or you can download our 27-page The Tempest worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

PLAYWRIGHT BACKGROUND

  • William Shakespeare was a famous writer and poet who lived in England around 1564.
  • He’s considered by many to be one of the greatest playwrights to have ever lived.
  • Not much is known about his early life, but he got married in 1582, and by the 1590s, Shakespeare was doing well in London as an actor and writer.
  • He worked with a troupe of actors known initially as the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, subsequently renamed the King’s Men.
  • His plays were performed at the Globe Theatre, among other venues.
  • Shakespeare wrote lots of plays, including tragedies like “Romeo and Juliet” and “Hamlet,” comedies like “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and many more.
  • Shakespeare died in 1616, but his plays and poems are still famous and enjoyed all over the world.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

  • In the time of Queen Elizabeth I, there was a powerful leader just like Prospero in “The Tempest.”
  • Prospero had magical powers, kind of like how the queen had authority.
  • People back then were curious about faraway lands and how to explore them.
  • “The Tempest” talks about power and consequences, like when countries were trying to take over new places.
  • People in the Elizabethan era loved stories about magic. 
  • In the same vein, “The Tempest” has a spirit named Ariel and other magical things.
  • The play also addresses social hierarchies, which echo the rigid class system of the Elizabethan society.
  • During the Elizabethan era, there was a vibrant period of growth in the arts and literature. 
  • “The Tempest” stands as evidence of this creative abundance and a testament to Shakespeare’s mastery of blending tragedy, comedy, and romance.

PLOT SUMMARY

  • “The Tempest” starts with a big storm, which causes a shipwreck. 
  • There’s this powerful magician named Prospero who gets stuck on an island with his daughter Miranda because his brother Antonio did something bad.
  • As the story goes on, more characters from the shipwreck are introduced, such as the King of Naples and his friends. 
  • Meanwhile, there’s a man named Caliban who is not happy being Prospero’s servant.
  • There’s also a spirit named Ariel under Prospero’s command, who plays a crucial role in the magical events that unfold.
  • The main conflicts come from Prospero wanting revenge on Antonio and others who treated him badly.
  • The play climaxes with Prospero figuring out a powerful truth, facing the people who did him wrong, and manipulating events to achieve his goals.
  • Instead of getting back at them, though, Prospero decides to forgive them and make things right.
  • The story reaches its resolution with Ferdinand and Miranda getting married, which symbolizes that everything is back in order and everyone is happy.
  • After all this, Prospero does something dramatic – he breaks his magical staff and says he’s done with being a sorcerer.
  • In the final part, called the epilogue, Prospero talks directly to the audience, asking for their applause and mercy.

CHARACTER PROFILES

  • Prospero is a powerful magician and exiled duke who is smart and wants things to be fair.
  • For his primary motivation, Prospero uses magic to fix the wrongs done to him but later decides to forgive instead of getting even.
  • Central to the plot, Prospero orchestrates events on the island that guide the fates of other characters. 
  • Miranda is Prospero’s daughter, who’s really kind and innocent.
  • Miranda’s main reason for doing things is love, especially her growing feelings for Ferdinand.
  • Her kindness and openness stand out when compared to all the tricky political stuff happening around her.
  • Miranda’s love story with Ferdinand is a big part of the play and shows that everything is getting better.
  • When they get married, it represents a happy ending that brings order back to the story.
  • Adding much fantasy to the play, Ariel is a magical spirit controlled by Prospero but is known for being loyal and wanting to be free.
  • Ariel helps Prospero in the hope of eventually being free.
  • Ariel’s magical tricks, interventions, and illusions move the story forward.
  • Caliban, a monster-like local from the island, is an angry character who wants revenge, but there are times when he shows vulnerability.
  • Caliban acts the way he does because Prospero mistreats him.
  • Caliban wants to be free and powerful, so he teams up with characters like Stephano.
  • Caliban’s role in the story shows how power and mistreatment can mess things up.
  • Ferdinand is a noble guy who is in love with Miranda.
  • Ferdinand’s main reason for doing things is love, meaning he’s ready to face challenges for Miranda because he’s really committed.
  • Ferdinand’s love story with Miranda is a sweet part of the play that adds to the themes of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

THEMES AND SYMBOLS

  • Basically, “The Tempest” includes political plots, magical tricks, family betrayals, and, in the end, forgiveness.
  • The theme of magic connects to the broader themes of supernatural forces and how using such powers responsibly is crucial.
  • Prospero’s magical abilities show both the potential for good, like fixing past wrongs, and the dangers of having too much power.
  • The island itself is a symbol of power, a place where political games are played out. 
  • Prospero’s control over the island mirrors the political struggles in the world.
  • The theme of nature and the supernatural highlights how characters deal with the mystical and unpredictable.
  • Elements like storms, spirits, and magical creatures represent the untamed and mysterious side of the natural world.
  • The play’s resolution highlights the transformative power of mercy and reconciliation.
  • There are also themes of love and forgiveness, particularly in the relationship between Ferdinand, Alonso’s son, and Miranda.

The Tempest Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Theater Study, The Tempest across 27 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about The Tempest. “The Tempest” is thought to be one of Shakespeare’s intricate and poetic plays, showing how Shakespeare was interested in human nature and how forgiving others can bring about positive changes.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. The Tempest Facts
  2. Right About The Playwright
  3. Vocabulary Bank
  4. Plot Points In Order
  5. Character Cards
  6. Elizabethan England
  7. What’s In A Speech?
  8. Literary Examples
  9. My Take On The Tale
  10. Shakespeare In Contrast
  11. Extended Learning

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the protagonist in “The Tempest”?

The protagonist of “The Tempest” is Prospero, the former Duke of Milan, who is marooned on an island and uses his magical powers to manipulate the events in the play.

What role does Ariel play in the play?

Ariel is a spirit enslaved by Prospero who aids him in his magical endeavors. Ariel carries out Prospero’s commands and is instrumental in creating the tempest that brings the characters to the island.

What is the significance of the tempest in the play’s opening scene?

The tempest, orchestrated by Prospero, serves as a dramatic device to shipwreck the characters on the island. It initiates the events of the play and sets the stage for the unfolding of the story.

How does “The Tempest” explore themes of power and control?

Prospero’s use of magic and control over the island’s inhabitants reflects themes of power and control. The play delves into the consequences of wielding authority, both through political power and magical abilities.

What role does Caliban play in “The Tempest,” and what themes does his character embody?

“The Importance of Being Earnest” satirizes the institution of marriage by portraying it as a social contract based on superficial qualities rather than genuine love. Characters in the play engage in deceptive practices to secure advantageous marriages, highlighting the materialistic and hypocritical aspects of Victorian courtship and matrimony.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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