Exploring the power dynamics between Prospero and Ariel in 'The Tempest'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can analyse the power dynamics between Prospero and Ariel in Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’.
Key learning points
- Ariel’s language shows both deference and frustration towards Prospero.
- Ariel is forced to be obedient to Prospero because of his threats to return Ariel to the tree.
- Prospero having more lines than Ariel suggests that his voice is considered more important.
Keywords
Toil - To toil means to work extremely hard.
Service - Service is the action of helping or doing work for someone.
Noble - Being noble means to be of high status or to have high moral qualities.
Malignant - Something malignant is something that is evil.
Staging - The act, process or manner of performing a play or show is known as staging.
Common misconception
That an analysis of a play only consists of the word the characters say.
The amount of lines a character has as well as stage directions are also important aspects of analysing a play.
Teacher tip
You could have the students act out the scene and ask them to consider their tone and body language and what kind of relationship it suggests between Ariel and Prospero.
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
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A resolution is the...
Q2.In Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', Ariel creates a storm. What does this tell us about Ariel?
Q3.In Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', Ariel greets Prospero enthusiastically but Prospero doesn't return the greeting - what does this suggest about their relationship?
Q4.Is this sentence grammatically correct? "Ariel; a magical being, carries out tasks for Prospero."
Q5.In Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', Ariel asks Prospero if he loves them - what does this suggest?
Q6.In Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', Prospero calls Ariel a "chick" - what are the connotations of that?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.If you serve someone, what might that suggest?
Q2.In some stage performances of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', Prospero is shown as standing over Ariel. What might this suggest?
Q3.What does malignant mean?
Q4.In a play, if someone has the majority of lines in a scene then what might it suggest?
Q5.What does to toil mean?
Q6.In Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', Prospero calls Ariel a "thing". What does this suggest?
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Exploring the power dynamics between Prospero and Ariel in 'The Tempest', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Exploring the power dynamics between Prospero and Ariel in '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.