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Analysing Shakespeare's language choices is essential for achieving top grades at GCSE. This lesson examines the major imagery patterns, the use of verse and prose, key speeches, and techniques for close language analysis.
The opening storm (the "tempest") works on multiple levels:
| Level | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Literal | A violent storm at sea that shipwrecks the court party |
| Political | Represents the upheaval caused by Antonio's usurpation |
| Emotional | Mirrors Prospero's inner turmoil and anger |
| Social | The Boatswain's defiance of the nobles ("What cares these roarers for the name of king?") challenges social hierarchy |
| Structural | The storm opens the play with chaos; the calm ending represents restored order |
Examiner's tip: When writing about the storm, always show you understand its symbolic as well as literal significance. For example: "The storm functions as an externalisation of Prospero's rage at his usurpation, while simultaneously levelling the social hierarchy as the Boatswain's authority temporarily supersedes the King's."
The Tempest is Shakespeare's most musical play. Music serves several functions:
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