The Tempest

The Tempest, written between 1610 and 1611, is most likely the last play that Shakespeare wrote entirely by himself and one of the few whose plot did not derive from any one clear source. Instead, the play draws its themes from many places, most notably from the travel narratives of Shakespeare’s time. Centering on an aging magician named Prospero who uses magic to manipulate events and those around him, The Tempest explores themes of power, magic and illusion, and colonization. Additionally, since Prospero himself functions as playwright within the play, The Tempest also allows Shakespeare an opportunity to speak about his own legacy through Prospero in his final play.