The Tempest Research Paper

Illusion
In Shakespeare’s play, The Tempest, there are many examples of illusion. As defined by Wikipedia, illusion is “a distortion of the senses, revealing how the brain normally organizes and interprets sensory stimulation.” One example in Shakespeare’s work is the story of loss and recovery. A second example is the big tempest, or storm, which occurs in the very first scene. A final example is the discovery of the Bermuda islands. Illusion can provide value, but also detriment.
The story of loss and recovery relates to freedom and, in some cases, the lack of freedom. In the beginning, the illusion is that everyone appears friendly, but they turn out untrustworthy, and the play takes a turn. Caliban has a lack of freedom in this play because Prospero enslaves him. He loses his freedom due to his drunken actions. He is supposed to be a positive influence and a leader, but he has proven to be the opposite. Ariel had freedom stripped when Sycorax traps him in the tree. Prospero then helps free him to do his bidding. Ariel then regains …show more content…
The ship created the illusion of a joyful and peaceful voyage, but this soon proved to be false. The ship was invaded with treacherous rain and heavy thunder and lightening. The passengers had been through storms before, but this one seems much worse. The once joyful ship is now a wet and soggy scene. The passengers are scrambling to hold tight to their possessions. Soon, the king and the prince heed to the advice given and rush to the bottom floor of the ship. Antonio, Sebastian, and Gonzalo are given the task to stay up top and keep watch. Suddenly, the boards began to crack, and in no time, the boat splits in half and everyone is left to survive alone until they finally are reunited on the island. This is a reminder that even the finest things are not always as they seem. The ship that was once viewed as a joyful symbol turned into a tragic stage within

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