Tempest Presentation
Process
Work together to present background/historical information, which can affect our understanding of the play.
Groups:
Dr. John Dee: Chas, Colin, Nate, Emily
Renaissance Song and Dance: Kim, Sara, Derek, Zoe, Daniel, Susan
The "Sea Venture": Rachele, Garrett, Brendan, Stephen
- Be a good group member!
Dr. John Dee!!!!!!
Your presentation should answer these questions.
2. What is "scientific" magic? (and what does this have to do with the Tempest)
3. Why is he considered a likely inspiration for Prospero's character? (how are they similar, how are they different)
4. What are the chances Shakespeare had him in mind when writing The Tempest (this is an opinion!)
5. He talked to Angels (and maybe demons)! How did that work, and what does it have to do with The Tempest?
6. How is John Dee a "Renaissance Man"?
7. How can it be said that he invented the British Empire? (and what does this have to do with the Tempest)
Resources:
http://boingboing.net/2015/02/19/john-dee-was-the-real-life-mer.html
Documentary resource:
Renaissance Song and Dance!
1. Why is The Tempest Shakespeare's most musical play?
2. What were the two major types of dance in Shakespeare's day (and what does this have to do with the Tempest)?
3. What is a masque? (and what does this have to do with the Tempest)
4. How did the lower classes dance? How did the upper classes dance? (and what does this have to do with the Tempest)
You do not need to put together a power point. You should all learn at least one "move": and answer the preceding questions. Besides that, you have a lot of freedom in deciding how you will present. You can teach the rest of the class your moves (and make everyone try them), or you can choreograph a demonstration that will highlight each move and set it to music, or, etc. Be creative!
Resources:
Youtube--you can find examples of many dances here. Search for the name of a particular move you want to learn.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/dihtml/divideos.html#vc030
The "Sea Venture"
2. What happens to the passengers on the Sea Venture? (and what does this have to do with the Tempest)
3. Describe the "noble savage" trope (this means a character that keeps popping up in literature).
3. Who is William Stratchey (and what does this have to do with the Tempest)
4. Who is Stephen Hopkins (and what does this have to do with the Tempest)
5. What is the connection between the new world and the classical tradition? (see Montaigne's "Of Cannibals"
Resources:
http://www.shakespeare-online.com/keydates/tempestbermuda.html
http://barryispuzzled.com/VirginiaCoTempest.pdf
http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/phl302/texts/montaigne/montaigne-essays--2.html