The Politics of Rebellion

Reading: Shakespeare, The Tempest Acts 2-3. OR consider viewing a 2013 Globe production of the play, available for £10 here. (This is a purchase, not a rental, so you don’t just have a 48 hour window to watch it.)

Viewing: RSC exploration of the humor, drama and rhythms of The Tempest 2.2: link.

Writing: Respond to ONE of the following prompts, drawing from the material in Acts 1-3 (save the last two Acts for next class). Keep your response short, posting as a reply under the appropriate heading in the comments section:

1. In lecture I suggested that you watch for moments that play upon kingship and other social orders as shared fictions. Quote such a moment and comment on the idealism, folly or cynicism of the enterprise.
2. In lecture I also admonished you to watch for moments where theatrical performance is said to have a educative or moral function. Quote such a moment and comment on the idealism, folly or cynicism of the enterprise.
3. Shakespeare can be weird. Call our attention to an oddity in need of explanation.