THE TEMPEST TROPE IN WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S "THE TEMPEST" (DRAMA, ROMANCES, RENAISSANCE LITERATURE)

YVONNE MARIE SHIKANY EDDY, Purdue University

Abstract

This dissertation argues that William Shakespeare's The Tempest is a dramatic exploration of the tempest trope (as the title itself suggests). The storm, actualized in the play's first scene but dismissed as illusory by Prospero, becomes invested in the play world. It is internalized as the "tempest of the mind" in the character of Prospero and demonstrated as a condition of life in the play's bracketed design (especially as that design informs the reading of Ferdinand and Miranda). What begins as a natural, albeit magical, storm is translated into the human tempest. Chapter One, "Introduction," discusses the critical context for the trope and the implication of this reading for The Tempest. Chapter Two is a close reading of the first scene of the play, the tempest of I.i. This scene defines the essential problem of a world in the midst of a tempest by presenting visually, as a sort of emblem or prologue, some important themes for the play. Chapter Three studies the tempest trope from the perspective of Prospero, the man who controls the "outer" storm contrived with his Art but who comes close to being controlled by the "inner" tempest. The reconciliation of Act V rests partly in his ability to reconcile himself to the tempestuousness of life. Chapter Four studies the way the play's bracketed design reinforces the notion of the tempest-ruled human world. In particular, the chapter focuses on Ferdinand and Miranda. Parallelisms and interconnections between the young couple and the Caliban group and the Court Party subplots indicate the continuing tempest. Chapter Five studies Ariel and the songs of The Tempest. The spirit is part of the world of magic that must be surrendered before the community can return to Naples and Milan. Ariel's function as main singer of The Tempest's songs also is examined. These songs provide a counter to the tempest and, like the tempest of I.i, must be invested in the play world.

Degree

Ph.D.

Subject Area

British and Irish literature

COinS