Is The Tempest a Satire?

Assuming that Shakespeare is trying to make a statement, is The Tempest a satire or a serious representation of colonialism? Use the language of the play and the portrayals of the characters to explain your answer.

Colonial Literature

According to"Imperialism and Textuality", what are some defining characteristics of colonial literature? What is the value of discussing literature in this context?

Is Prospero an A+ Dad, or is he an F?

Now further into the novel of The Tempest, we are starting to feel acquainted with the characters. We have watched Prospero interact with his daughter, Miranda, on many occasions. On page 23-24 Prospero says as an aside "They are both in either's powers. But this swift business I must uneasy make, lest too light winning make prize light." What do you interpret from this? Does he plan to just test Ferdinand and see how great he is, or is he trying to make their marriage or relationship more of a challenge to attain so that Ferdinand doesn't get Miranda too easily and therefore get bored with her and mistreat her. Is Prospero a good father to Miranda? Why or why not? You may take into consideration that he waited 15 years to tell her about his lost kingship. Was this for her benefit?

Changing Voices

The Tempest is widely considered the last play written independently by William Shakespeare. Knowing this, do you find a difference in the language in this play than you do in other works you’ve read? Think of Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Henry IV Pt. II.

Favorites Quotes

Choose one of your favorite passages from the summer reading and post it here.  Then explain why you found it moving and what it means to you.

Thinking About Summer Reading

Can you identify any common themes explored in both The Optimist's Daughter and Let the Great World Spin? How do these books fit into our course theme, Strangers in a Strange Land?