Introduction to The Tempest
“The Tempest” by William Shakespeare was first published in the collected edition of Shakespeare’s plays known as the “First Folio”. It is one of the most original and perfect of Shakespeare’s productions. It is a fine fusion of both the comic and tragic elements. It is a perfect example of universality of Shakespearean dramaturgy.
Various strands get amalgamated in this drama apart from its tragi-comic approach. Among them is important the motif of supernaturalism and improbable incidents. Its romantic element is woven together with characteristic Shakespearean wit and humour. Another notable element is masque and music with which the plot is enriched.
Magic is no doubt a major motif accelerating the plot. Characterization of non human creatures like Ariel and Caliban imparts to the play a significant analysis of the discourse of slavery that counts to be important in post-colonial studies. Such drama of Shakespeare’s closing years provided the stuff of pleasurable diversion to the king James I. Shakespeare pandered to the taste of changing demands of the Jacobean audience. The play is based on “A Discovery of the Bermudas” by Silvester Jourdan.
