Wednesday 17th June
Over the past two days, you have been exploring Shakespearean language. Today we are going to return to the story of The Tempest.
Ferdinand, after falling in love with Miranda, has been chained up by Prospero and is chopping wood. Miranda, who is in love with Ferdinand, watches on adoringly.
Meanwhile, on another part of the island Antonio and Sebastian have plotted to kill the sleeping Alonso and Gonzalo. Luckily, the two men were woken by Ariel before they could be killed. All the courtiers now continue their search of the island for Ferdinand, Alonso’s son.
On the other side of the island, Caliban- half sea monster and half man – has met the drunken butler (Stephano) and a jester (Trinculo). They are planning to kill Prospero, steal his magic books and cloak and take over the island themselves.
Now watch Episode 7
I wonder what you would do if you were Prospero?
Before we watch the last episode tomorrow, I want us to explore the characters in the play. We know more of the story now and more about the characters.
Answer the questions below. Some have two parts to the question
First read Ariel’s story
- When Prospero came to the island, Ariel was trapped inside a tree by Sycorax. Prospero released Ariel. In what way is Ariel still a prisoner? Is Prospero a kind master?
- How is Ariel’s life better than before? Do you think he enjoys working for Prospero? Explain your answer.
- If you were making a film/ play of the Tempest, how would you dress Ariel? How could you use costume to symbolize Ariel’s abilities and character? Why not look at pictures of Ariel on the internet?
- If you were the director of the play how would you describe how Ariel moves? Think of three words to describe how Ariel moves.
Now read Caliban’s story
- How has Prospero helped Caliban?
- How has Caliban helped Prospero?
- In what way do you feel sorry for Caliban?
- In what way don’t you feel sorry for Caliban?
- If you were making a film/ play of the Tempest, how would you dress Caliban? How could you use costume to represent his status and character? Remember he is the son of a witch and is described as a monster, half man and half fish. Why not look at the internet of pictures of Caliban?
- If you were the director of the play how would you describe how Caliban moves. Think of three words.
Now think about some of the other characters.
- Who are the comedy characters in the play? Why do you think Shakespeare has them in the play?
- Who do you think are the two kindest characters in the play and why?
- Who do you think are the two cruellest characters in the play, and why?
- Who is your favourite character and why?
Day 6 The tempest word version
Thursday and Friday
Watch the Final episode of the Tempest
Episode_08 transcript.
Now over the next two days, I would like you to write the final scene in your own words as if it was the last chapter in a book. The story version that you have watched / read is quite brief with no conversation between the characters except Ariel and Prospero. What do think Antonio, Gonzalo said? How did they both feel when they saw Prospero? What was Alonso’s reaction when he saw his son was alive? How did Ariel and Caliban feel to be free at last?
You may also like to read the final scene of your Playscript Scene VI: the Beach. This could give you some ideas.
Watching the last five minutes of BBC animated tales The Tempest from 20:36 to the end may also give you some ideas.
Remember:
- You are writing in the third person.
- You need to set the scene describing what is happening.
- Include characters’ reactions- you can show what they feel from what they say and do.
- Every new speaker starts a new paragraph.
- You need to think of a final line.
This work may take you two days. I would love to see your finished version so please e-mail them to me.
I hope you have enjoyed our unit on Shakespeare and the Tempest. Our year 6 returners are busy planning our film version which we will put on the website when it is complete!
Day 7 The Tempest word version
