Revising the theme of inequality in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore how the theme of inequality is presented throughout the play.
Key learning points
- Inequality is the unfair situation where some people have more opportunities, money, or power than others.
- People in Shakespearean times faced inequality because of their race, gender and religion.
- Arguably, Ariel, Caliban and Miranda face inequality in ‘The Tempest’.
- Shakespeare arguably links colonialism with inequality.
Keywords
Unequal - Being treated unequally means being treated unfairly and differently to others.
Colonialism - Colonialism is the process of taking control over another country and exploiting it economically.
Enslave - When you enslave someone, you consider them your property and force them to obey you.
Power - Having power means being able to control events or people.
Common misconception
Characters in literature are just there to create a good story.
Characters in literature often represent things bigger than themselves such as colonialism or gender inequality.
Teacher tip
You could potentially extend the discussion on inequality in literature by asking the students to reflect on books they have read in class or recently that deal with inequality.
Equipment
You may want a copy of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', Prospero forces Ariel and Caliban to serve and obey him. Which of the three characters has the most power?
Q2.In Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', which of these characters was born on the island?
Q3.Having power means...
Q4.If someone considers someone else their property and forces them to obey them then they have them.
Q5.What does being indigenous mean?
Q6.Stereotypically, how did patriarchal societys think women should behave?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Inequality is...
Q2.Which of the following characters from Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' face inequality?
Q3.Which of the following were true of Shakespeare's time?
Q4.What does Ariel ask Prospero for in Act 1, Scene 2 of 'The Tempest'?
Q5.Which of the following could married women not do in Shakespeare's time?
Q6.In Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', what does Prospero calling Miranda his "gift" to Ferdinand suggest?
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Revising the theme of inequality in 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: Revising the theme of inequality in 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.