The following term paper deals with the analysis of the names of the characters' in Shakespeare's "The Tempest", which was probably written between 1610 and 1611. The play is set on an island, where Prospero, a magician and the former Duke of Milan, and his daughter Miranda, watch a ship wreck. The shipwrecked make it ashore, among whom are Antonio, Prospero´s brother, Alonso, King of Naples, his son Ferdinand, the King´s brother Sebastian, the steward Stephano, the jester Trinculo, lord Gonzalo and the minor lords Adrian and Francisco. I assume that Shakespeare chose all the names in the play on purpose, because the names fit characteristically the personality of the characters.
In this paper I am first going to give a short biography of the writer, following with a plot overview of the play and the description of the characters. Then I am going to give an insight on the origin and the meaning of the names in the play and analyze the reasons, why Shakespeare chose exactly those names.
Table of Contents
- Chapter I: Introduction to the work
- Chapter II: William Shakespeare – the man and poet
- Chapter III: The Tempest - plot overview
- Chapter IV: The Characters
- Chapter V: The origin and the meaning of the names
- Chapter VI: Characters Analysis
- Chapter VII: Were the names chosen on purpose?
Objectives and Key Themes
The objective of this work is to analyze the names of the characters in Shakespeare's play "The Tempest," exploring their origins and meanings in relation to the characters' personalities and the overall plot. The author investigates whether the choice of names was deliberate and contributes to the play's thematic depth.
- The life and works of William Shakespeare
- A plot summary of Shakespeare's "The Tempest"
- Analysis of character names in "The Tempest"
- The connection between character names and personalities
- Shakespeare's intentional use of naming conventions
Chapter Summaries
Chapter I: Introduction to the work: This introductory chapter provides background information on William Shakespeare, his prolific career encompassing various genres of plays, and the periodization of his works. It then introduces Shakespeare's play "The Tempest," its setting, key characters (including Prospero, Miranda, Antonio, Alonso, and others), and the central thesis: that Shakespeare deliberately chose names to reflect character traits. The author mentions their own experience with naming characters and the importance of names fitting personality, foreshadowing the detailed analysis to come.
Chapter II: William Shakespeare – the man and poet: This chapter offers a concise biography of William Shakespeare, covering his birth, education, marriage to Anne Hathaway, the birth of his children, and his career in London as an actor and playwright. It highlights his association with the Lord Chamberlain's Men and later the King's Men, concluding with details about his retirement and death in Stratford-upon-Avon, and the publication of the First Folio.
Chapter III: The Tempest - plot overview: This chapter presents a detailed summary of the plot of "The Tempest," divided into acts. It describes the tempest, Prospero's revenge on his brother Antonio and King Alonso, the introduction of key characters like Ariel and Caliban, and the unfolding of the plot involving Ferdinand and Miranda's romance, and the various schemes and intrigues of the other characters. The chapter provides a comprehensive narrative arc of the play, outlining the major events and conflicts.
Keywords
William Shakespeare, The Tempest, character names, etymology, name analysis, character analysis, literary analysis, Shakespearean drama, Italian names, Latin roots, Prospero, Miranda, Caliban, Ariel.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Character Names in Shakespeare's "The Tempest"
What is the overall objective of this academic work?
The main goal is to analyze the names of the characters in Shakespeare's "The Tempest," examining their origins and meanings in relation to the characters' personalities and the overall plot. The analysis investigates whether Shakespeare intentionally chose names to enhance the play's thematic depth.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The Table of Contents includes chapters covering an introduction to the work, a biography of William Shakespeare, a plot summary of "The Tempest," character analysis, the origin and meaning of the names, and a discussion on the intentional selection of names.
What key themes are explored in the analysis?
Key themes include the life and works of William Shakespeare, a plot summary of "The Tempest," the analysis of character names and their connection to personalities, and the exploration of Shakespeare's potential intentional use of naming conventions.
What is included in the Chapter Summaries?
The Chapter Summaries provide detailed overviews of each chapter. Chapter I introduces Shakespeare and "The Tempest," highlighting the central thesis. Chapter II offers a concise biography of Shakespeare. Chapter III provides a detailed plot summary of "The Tempest." Further chapters delve into the analysis of character names.
What are the key words associated with this academic work?
Key words include William Shakespeare, The Tempest, character names, etymology, name analysis, character analysis, literary analysis, Shakespearean drama, Italian names, Latin roots, Prospero, Miranda, and Caliban.
What is the focus of the character name analysis?
The character name analysis focuses on exploring the origins and meanings of the names of characters in "The Tempest," and examining how these names might reflect the characters' personalities and contribute to the play's overall themes and meaning.
Does the analysis consider whether Shakespeare chose names intentionally?
Yes, a significant part of the analysis investigates whether Shakespeare's choice of names was deliberate and if this choice contributes to the play's thematic depth and overall impact.
What biographical information about Shakespeare is provided?
The work includes a concise biography of William Shakespeare, covering his birth, education, marriage, career as an actor and playwright, his association with acting companies, and his death.
What kind of plot summary of "The Tempest" is offered?
A detailed plot summary of "The Tempest" is provided, divided into acts, describing the tempest, Prospero's revenge, the introduction of key characters, the romance between Ferdinand and Miranda, and other schemes and intrigues within the play.
- Quote paper
- Yevgeniya Marmer (Author), 2012, William Shakespeare's "The Tempest". The Origin and Meaning of the Names in the Play, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/314434
