How far do you agree that The Tempest is a play about the use and abuse of power?
Consider how Shakespeare dramatises the exercise of power and what the play suggests about the responsibilities of power.
The examiner is looking for you to show that you understand the concept of power and how power is used in the play and who it is used by.
The examiner also wants you to consider who has the right to power and what responsibilities come with that power.
Plan
1 – Introduction
What are you going to do? You are going to consider power as a concept in the play and you are going to argue whether or not you agree with the above statement.
2 – Power
Consider the use of power in the play.
When is power used?
Is power used for good and evil?
Is power abused? How? Where? Why?
3 - The exercise of power
How is power exercised in the play?
Consider specific examples and comment on words and actions of characters to show how power is exercised.
4 – Scout
You must now consider what the play is saying about power.
Is power viewed as a positive or negative concept in the play?
Why is it viewed in this way?
What does the play suggest about the responsibilities of power?
5 – Conclusion
Come to a firm conclusion do you or do you not agree with the statement?
To what extent do you or do you not agree?
Maybe end with a quotation
REMEMBER TO USE P.E.E/PQD THROUGHOUT.
