Genre, Theme, Character

Question 1

Describe the predominant Genres of each scene?

Answer 1

Act 1, Scene 1 - Tragedy
Act 1, Scene 2 - Romance,  Tragedy, High Comedy
Act 2, Scene 1 - Romance, Tragedy
Act 2, Scene 2 - Low comedy
Act 3, Scene 1 - Romance, High Comedy
Act 3, Scene 2 - Low Comedy, Tragedy
Act 3, Scene 3 - Romance, Tragedy
Act 4, Scene 1 - Romance, Low Comedy
Act 5 Scene 1 - Romance, High Comedy

Question 2

The Tempest as a Romance (Key features)

Answer 2

• Magic, supernatural elements to create a fictional world
• Vehicle for conveying a moral message
• Explores the themes of Love and Morality in an idealised setting
• Preoccupied with “lost children” and restoration of characters to their rightful position
• Uses a Tempest, which is linked to themes like fate, disorder and the msallness of man in the greater universe
• The dramatic emphasis is on reconciliation and peace, particularly on the resolution of generational conflict
• Forgiveness, mercy and humility triumph over greed pride and arrogance

Question 3

The Tempest as a Comedy (Key features)

Answer 3

Love as motivating force
Opposition between old and young
Confusion and dramatic irony in the middle scenes
Loss of identity
Importance of scheming/plotting
Marriage and promise of new life
Restoration of identity and the social order

Question 4

What are the character types in comedy?

Answer 4

Angry Father blocking will of daughter
Rebellious daughter
Absent mother
Bragging fool
Love struck young man
VIctim of mistaken identity
Cunning but cowardly slave/ servant
Unloved outsider

Question 5

The Tempest as a Tragedy?

Answer 5

Serious or somber theme
-The first two acts unfold like a classic “comedy” - dirty jokes, slapstick humor, lovers struggling to be together
-Theme becomes “somber” from the events that occur
Hero has a major flaw of character or conflict with some overpowering force
- Long standing family feud
Hero is destined for destruction or downfall
Prologue
Always ends in death but promises continuity

Question 6

Themes of a tragedy?

Answer 6

Love vs Hate
Youth
Fate vs Free will
Individual vs Society
Love as a cause of violence
The forcefulness of love

Question 7

“High” Comedy Structure in Five Acts

Answer 7

1. Some disorder, or harsh rule or complication, that creates an obstacle to love. Conflict that leads to two sides. Beginnings of loss of identity
2. Development of rivalry and disorder. Loss of identity
3. Climax, point of no return leading to potentially tragic situation. Comedies always contain the threat of Tragedy
4. Reflective act, beginnings of self realisation, setting up finale
5. Final climax- understanding - restoration of order - resolution. Restoration of identity. Celebration symbolised by marriage.`

Question 8

Themes in the Tempest

Answer 8

Power of Knowledge
Revenge/ Forgiveness
Human Behaviour natural v moral civilsed
Effect of coloniser over those ruled --> how outsiders are viewed
Hate love obedience
Master and servant
Appearance v reality
Learning from mistakes
The role of a leader
Father daughter relationships
Attitudes to women
Exploration of religion
Hierarchy
Betrayal and usurpation
Use of and dangers of power
Attitudes to magic