Consolidating our understanding of the plot of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can confidently recall the plot of 'The Tempest' and link it to key themes.
Key learning points
- Prospero is the most powerful character.
- Prospero exploits Caliban and Ariel and forces them to serve him.
- Prospero uses his power to create an unjust society on the island.
- Specifically, magic is used by Prospero to control others.
Keywords
Injustice - Injustice is a situation, or a law, or an action whereby people are treated unfairly.
Power - If you are able to direct or influence the behaviour of others or the course of events, then you have power.
Exploitation - The act of using someone unfairly for your own advantage is called exploitation.
Inequality - Difference in status, wealth or opportunities are all forms of inequality.
Torment - Torment is going through great mental suffering and unhappiness or physical pain.
Common misconception
That people didn't believe in magic in Shakespeare's time.
In Shakespeare's time, most people believed in magic and thought it could bring ill luck and misfortune.
Teacher tip
You could choose to extend the ideas around power to include the context of colonialism.
Equipment
You may want a copy of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The setting for Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' is...
Q2.Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' is thought to have been written in...
Q3.A spirit is a...
Q4.Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' is a comedy play. Which of the following do we expect from a comedy?
Q5.To usurp something is to...
Q6.The support, encouragement, or financial aid that an organisation or individual gives to a writer is known as...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which character has the most power in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'?
Q2.Which two characters are exploited by Prospero in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'?
Q3.Being able to direct or influence the behaviour of others or the course of events is known as having...
Q4.Torment is...
Q5.Which monarch wrote a book on witchcraft called 'Daemonologie'?
Q6.How did people in Shakespeare's time feel about witchcraft?
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Consolidating our understanding of the plot of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Consolidating our understanding of the plot of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 English lessons from the 'The Tempest' unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.