What are the key themes in Shakespeare's The Tempest?

The Tempest is technically a traditional comedy with the ending being the unification of Ferdinand and Miranda. From this we must assume that love is a key theme but the narrative arc of Prospero would also suggest vengeance and justice are key themes. Regicide is, however, an extremely important theme and probably the most useful when writing your essay as every act and almost every scene mentions or suggest the action of killing the king: Prospero killing Sycorax, Caliban trying to kill Prospero, Antonio and Sebastian's collaborative plotting and finally the revelation of the game of chess at the end. When writing the essay this theme is the most transposable but the other themes can support your argument whichever way the question you get in the exam.

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do you write an essay on Shakespeare?


How do I structure an essay?


Consider the Significance of Suffering in Wordsworth's Lyrical Ballads


'Volpone is a comedy from the villains perspective; we see his greed punished and rejoice.' Discuss.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences