Shakespeare: The Word and the Action

Three Kinds of Tempest (1x15)

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The Tempest, a romance like Cymbeline and The Winter's Tale, strips down the constituent actions to great simplicity; the leading character has godlike powers; and Caliban is a semihuman creature. These circumstances lead playgoers and scholars to strenuous efforts of interpretation: The play may deal with the imperialist or colonialist movement of early modern Europe; it may explore the possibilities for magical or protoscientific power; it may be a Christian comedy of forgiveness.