The Tempest by William Shakespeare (Review)

'A storm strikes a ship carrying Alonso, Ferdinand, Sebastian, Antonio, Gonzalo, Stephano, and Trinculo, who are on their way to Italy after coming from the wedding of Alonso’s daughter, Claribel, to the prince of Tunis in Africa. The royal party and the other mariners, with the exception of the unflappable Boatswain, begin to fear for their lives. Lightning cracks, and the mariners cry that the ship has been hit. Everyone prepares to sink.'

I didn't love this play.

It is believed that The Tempest is most likely the last play written entirely by William Shakespeare. It is also one of only two of Shakespeare's plays with an entirely original plot. Even though the plot is entirely original it does draw from literature, especially travel literature from its time.

This play takes place during the Renaissance on an island in the Mediterranean. It is believe that it is most likely of the coast of Italy. While the play is classified as one of Shakespeare's romantic works it also contains magical elements.

There are multiply themes that arise throughout this play. The theme of ruling a colony appears a lot throughout this play with almost all of the character thinking about how they would rule if they were king.

Another main theme throughout this play is the idea of justice. This idea of justice that weaves through the play is arguably biased, as the ideals this justice are only shown from the view of one character, a character that controls the fate of everyone.

The other main theme that this play tackles is deciphering men from monsters. With multiple characters that have both light and dark moments, Shakespeare leaves the decision of who is men and who is monster up to the reader. With many differing opinions on the matter, depending on which character the reader liked best. I myself have changed my opinions many times, and will probably change them many times in the future.

It really bothers me, the fact that I didn't love this play. It had such great themes, strong characters and as always wonderful writing, yet for some reason it just didn't excite me. I found it felt like work reading it, I had to keep pushing myself in order to get through it.

I know a lot of people love this play and on paper I can see why, unfortunately for reasons unknown, it just wasnt for me.