Blog Assignment #4

Prompt #2: Choose one element of Scene I.i. of The Tempest that contributes to the mise-en-scéne (for a definition of mise-en-scéne, see pg. 16 of your course reader) and, tracking this element throughout the scene, suggest how it contributes to the atmosphere or mood of the scene. Does this atmosphere lead you to believe the play will consider any particular issues? Why or why not?

In The Tempest by William Shakespeare, Shakespeare use of mise-en-scéne in I.i. greatly contributes to the frustration of the characters, using the weather to set the tone of the scene. The scene opens with an intense storm, filled with thunder and lighting while a clearly worried boatswain and the boat master discuss the best plan of action to keep their little ship afloat. The ship contains not only its main personnel but royalty as well. The boatswain who appears to be in charge of the ship upright, goes about the ship yelling orders to the crew. While directing his men he is interrupted by King Alonzo and his clan who insist that they must find the shipmaster. Clearly annoyed, the boatswain scolds the royal bunch for not being in their cabin like the other people who were not helping on the deck to keep the boat steady. He makes it clear to them that they are in the way and reiterates that they should really be in their cabin. Taking the boatswains lack of respect toward him, the King does as any noble would and quickly reminds the boatswain of his place. Realizing that the storm is still a threat the boatswain tries to get rid of the King and his men by audaciously telling the King's councillor to calm the storm if they are all so high and mighty. With this all the men exchange a few insults and the King and his men storm off bitterly to their cabin as the storm rages on. The scene ends with all the passengers, staff or otherwise, praying to make it out alive. As the tensions grow on the small vessel, the storm grows stronger. Shakespeare uses the storm as a way to accompany the angry spirits on the ship, the angrier the passengers get ,the worse the storm gets.

The atmosphere of this opening scene could lead me to believe that an issue in the play could be that those who are royal think very highly of themselves and the class system. The way they reacted to the boatswains somewhat scolding them for getting in the way of the crew it made it quite clear that were offended and by requesting to then speak to his superior suggested that they could get him in trouble for messing up the natural order of things. The royal crew is quick to throw out their status to keep control whether they are right or not. They will not tolerate disrespect of any kind, especially from people they consider to be lesser than they are. I am not sure if the boatswain will be a vital character, seeing as he doesn't have a name, but just from their interactions with him, I could foresee problems in the future with King Alonzo and his men and those who disrespect them.