SHAKESPodosphEARE

2.2 Dramatic Reading of Shakespeare's The Tempest

December 20, 2006

Welcome back!

This show is a reading of 2.2 of Shakespeare's The Tempest.

2.2 is when Caliban meets Stephano and Trinculo, the two clowns (or clown and jester) in the play. It is a form of low comedy, this bit of the plot, but it highlights or sheds light on the way the real conspiracy unfolds. Caliban is discovered by Trinculo, and then both (hiding together under a bush, one wiht his legs pointing one way, the other with his legs pointing the other) are discovered by Stephano who is Trinculo's friend. Stephano is drunk.

A few other things to consider while listening to or reading this scene:

Caliban, despite being a savage, is given some of the most eloquent passages, especially about nature, in this scene as well as in the play. Why?�Is Shakesepare investigating the noble savage in this play and how he is often violated by the forces of civilization?

The nature of power: what is Trinculo's attitude toward Caliban in this scene? How does it change and why?

What might Shakespeare be saying about drinking and drunkenness? Is this the same as Prospero's form of idleness that originally got him into trouble?

How else might I have tried to interpret the scene (more comically? less?)

How might one discuss imperialism's effects in relation to this scene (focus on the beginning of the scene when BOTH Trinculo and Stephano consider how the beast might make them rich).�

Thanks!

Dr. Martin

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