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Contributor: Emily Love. Lesson ID: 10704
The Tempest presents different views of government in Act II. Explore these, along with other issues of human nature, as you analyze scenes and explore character development.
American essayist and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson once said the following.
"Hence, the less government we have, the better, - the fewer laws, and the less confided power."
Read on to think about whether Shakespeare would have agreed.
If you missed a lesson or want a refresher, go to the Related Lessons in the right-hand sidebar. You may also access The Tempest: No Fear Translation online if you do not have a hard copy.
Shakespeare frequently addressed the issue of government in his works. However, he had to be careful because he did not have complete freedom to share his opinions as an artist.
As you read about life in Shakespeare's England (below), compare and contrast the differences and similarities using the Graphic Organizer - Venn Diagram, found in Downloadable Resources in the right-hand sidebar.
Your notes should be focused on Elizabethan England's governmental powers and how Shakespeare's artistry was affected. Remember, the center where the two circles overlap is for the similarities.
When you have gathered and compared the information, continue to the Got It? section to analyze the political climate of Shakespeare's time.
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