The Tempest Research Paper

Good morning everyone, today I am going to be speaking to you about the concept of discovery, and how it impacts individuals and broader society in a resounding way; with both negative and positive ramifications which vary according to personal, cultural, historical and social contexts. Despite varying outcomes, the process of all discoveries share a common theme of reconsidering what is known and uncovering what is hidden in order to reveal a newfound truth. The process of discovery can be broken down into four stages; the departure from what is known, the significant experiences which characterise the discoveries, a revelation and finally transformation. These stages can be identified in William Shakespeare’s 1611 play, The Tempest, in which

The arrival of new teacher and former Welton graduate, Mr. Keating, allows the students to depart from their known world of conformity and explore their own creative paths. This discovery of a new perspective allows the boys to reconsider what is known, and rebel against the controlling forces of their parents and the school. The use of contrast between the strictness of the other teachers and the relaxed atmosphere of Mr. Keating’s classes is a distinctive technique used throughout the film. This relaxed atmosphere allows Neil Perry to realise his passion for acting, the significant experience which triggers his discovery of self. Mr. Keating forces the boys to view things from a new perspective literally, in the scene in which he makes them stand on their desk. ‘I stand upon my desk to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way.’ This view is juxtaposed with the four principles of the school, ‘Tradition, Honour, Discipline and Excellence.’ The newfound perspective leads the boys to form the Dead Poets’ Society, in which they value self-expression, individuality and creativity. Weir uses intertextuality in his reference to famous authors and poets, such as Shakespeare, Robert Frost and Walt Whitman. These composers create a window of insight for the boys, serving as a source of inspiration and exploration of their own capabilities as composers and

Prospero’s departure from the known world is ironically, the arrival of the newcomers to the island. From the beginning it is evident there is an underlying plot which is being controlled by the magical powers of Prospero, that is gradually revealed to the audience. Prospero intends to ‘test’ these characters, using the spirit Ariel who is under his control. The tests reveal things to the characters but also to Prospero, as he discovers the limits of his powers upon human nature. Subsequently, Prospero begins to test himself. The limits of his powers and how far he is willing to go without admitting his sympathy, is brought into question by Ariel when he asks, ‘That if you now beheld them, your affections would become tender, mine would, sir, were I human.’ It becomes evident that this journey has affected Prospero equally, in his revelation where he decides to give up his magic. This is represented through the use of symbolism, ‘I’ll break my staff, bury it certain fathoms in the earth, I’ll drown my book.’ This links back to the significance of nature, where Prospero admits that the forces of nature are stronger than that of his magic. The cycle of discovery is completed by the restoration of natural order, and the security of Miranda’s future as a young woman. Prospero is set to return to Milan as a different ruler, having reconsidered the