The Tempest & Nature
Musings of a naturalist
In "The Tempest," the representation of nature takes centre stage, not merely as a backdrop but as a dynamic force entwined with the human experience. From the mystical enchantments of the island to the tempestuous elements of the characters themselves, Shakespeare beckons us into a realm where the natural world is a lens through which to explore power, harmony, and the human psyche.
I’m always struck by how differently I engage with texts each year. Whether it’s my students, the weather, or whether or not I have had a coffee, each time I come back to a text there is an added layer of insight and appreciation. This is certainly true for Shakespeare’s play, “The Tempest”.
In terms of my “takeaways” from this years visitation of the play, I have been preoccupied with the concept of nature within “The Tempest”. It does not have the visceral intensity of a revenge play, or the tragic unravelling of a Shakespearean tragedy. Instead, “The Tempest” unfolds as an elemental play, a naturalists exploration through life and nature and mortality.
This year’s reflection has deepened my appreciation for the play, offering fresh insights into the nuanced representations of nature woven into its fabric. Shakespeare, with his unparalleled literary prowess, navigates the realms of the natural world, breathing life into characters and landscapes with an indiscernible deftness that never fails to leave me in awe.
At the heart of "The Tempest" is a profound connection to the natural world, expressed through the various characters and their interactions with the island. Prospero, the orchestrator of the play's tempestuous events, serves as both the wielder of magic and a symbolic force of nature. His control over the elements mirrors the potency of nature itself as he manipulates the winds and waves to achieve his goals. Prospero’s magic is white magic, the magic of nature.
One notable aspect of the play's representation of nature lies in the juxtaposition of the untamed wilderness of the island with the controlled artifice of the characters. The island, with its mysterious enchantments and wild landscapes, becomes a stage for the interplay between the primal forces of nature and the calculated actions of humanity. This dynamic is encapsulated in Prospero’s realisation that he, too, must forego his control in order to restore the balance of power and claims that, “this rough magic I here abjure” (Act 5, Scene 1). Here, nature is not just an external force; it intertwines with the characters' very essence, blurring the lines between the human and the elemental.
Caliban, a native inhabitant of the island, emerges as a poignant representation of the relationship between humanity and the natural world. Described as “a savage and deformed slave” by Prospero, Caliban embodies the untamed, primal aspect of nature that exists on the periphery of human civilization. His dialogue, rich with earthy imagery, underscores the raw power of the natural world. In his monologue, "Be not afeard; the isle is full of noises" (Act 3, Scene 2), Caliban invites the audience to embrace the mysterious and harmonious symphony of nature that envelops the island.
Ariel, in contrast, embodies the ethereal and otherworldly elements of nature. As a spirit bound to serve Prospero, Ariel becomes the intermediary between the magical and the mundane. His ability to manipulate the elements and assume various forms showcases the versatility of nature itself, transcending the limitations of the physical world.
Shakespeare's intricate use of language further amplifies the play's exploration of nature. The vivid and evocative descriptions, especially in Ariel's songs and Prospero's speeches, immerse the audience in the sensory experience of the natural world. Through phrases like "Full fathom five thy father lies" (Act 1, Scene 2) and "Where the bee sucks, there suck I" (Act 5, Scene 1), Shakespeare invites us to envision the sights, sounds, and textures of the island, forging a deeper connection between the audience and the play's natural setting.
Shakespeare masterfully intertwines the representations of nature with the complex threads of the human psyche, creating a symbiotic relationship that transcends the conventional boundaries of the natural world. The island itself becomes a metaphorical microcosm where the characters grapple with their innermost desires, fears, and conflicts. The tempest that opens the play, orchestrated by Prospero's magical powers, mirrors the storms within the hearts of the characters, setting the stage for the psychological unravelling and transformations that unfold. As such, the interplay between external environments and the internal struggles that shape the very essence of the characters invite us to contemplate the intricate layers of human motivations and the complexities of the subconscious.
For me, such discussions of the play seem wildly insufficient. I encourage fellow enthusiasts out there to watch different performances of this play and how different interpretations are brought to the stage.
Where to find online performances of "The Tempest."
The Globe Player: The Globe Theatre in London has a dedicated online platform called The Globe Player, where you can find various Shakespearean plays, including performances of "The Tempest." Visit the official Globe Theatre website or search for The Globe Player to explore their collection.
Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC): The Royal Shakespeare Company often releases recorded performances of their plays. Check the RSC's official website or platforms like Marquee TV, which frequently collaborate with theaters to provide streaming services.
Digital Theatre: Digital Theatre is an online platform that offers a variety of recorded theatrical performances, including classic plays. Search for "The Tempest" on Digital Theatre or similar platforms to discover available recordings.
Remember to check the availability and region restrictions on these platforms and explore other reputable streaming services that might host Shakespearean productions.
For more personal insight and analysis on “The Tempest”, you can check out our Shakespeare series of QuoteCards via the below link:
QuoteCards: The Shakespeare Series
