Supernatural and Romantic Elements in Shakespeare's The Tempest

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Introduction

Written in 1611, The Tempest is regarded as the final and last play of [our Good Old] Shakespeare. Basically, The Tempest is a magical comic which describes the story of the Duke of Milan, Prospero, who was duped by his brother Antonio. Prospero was sent to an island where he practised his magical spells to strengthen his position in that island. After a few years, his rivals are caught in a tempest (storm) and happen to be governed by a soul of Prospero [yes, we are talking about Ariel here] in the land of Prospero. So this play carries many romantic (remote to life) and supernatural elements.

What is a Romance?

A romance is an unrealistic play or a story which essentially tells the events which are rendered impossible or not suitable for the ordinary human-beings to perform. [Sure, it is not that type of romance which a couple does experiment. It is a literary genre, matey. 🙃] Technically speaking, romantic play is a combination of both tragic as well as comic genre. This genre was not a trending hashtag in Shakespeare's time so he might have taken some seeds from Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher (somewhere between 1607 - 1613), who originally worked behind the (modern) romantic plays. The last four plays of Shakespeare are neither tragic, nor comic nor historic entirely but they carry a few bits from the already mentioned genres. The romantic plays written by Shakespeare are Pericles, Cymbeline, The Winter's Tale and The Tempest.

Romantic Elements in The Tempest

The Tempest is a striking example of a romantic play. The play begins when King Alonso and his company are cast shore on Prospero's island safe and sound. Which is rather romantic as normally shipwrecks are drowned to death. Though they are left alive by the tempest just like Prospero with his little daughter anchored safely before twelve years ago after facing the cruelty of the tempest, yet they are separated from each other. King Alonso, who is separated from his son, thinks that his son is sleeping in the depths of the ocean. The same thought knocks at the mind of Ferdinand, a handsome hero, who labours for his beautiful maiden, Marinda. Despite the romantic love venture between Miranda and Ferdinand, The Tempest carries many more romantic traits. The play exhibits the Elizabethan spirit of voyaging towards the distant islands. Miranda's awe after eying other human-beings is also romantic (unrealistic) as it is difficult to find a person unaware of his fellow mates.

Not an Entirely Romantic Play

Romantic, The Tempest is rightly entitled but it also protests (shows) realistic parts. Other characters, apart from Prospero are portrayed as if they were real humans. Miranda and Ferdinand's first sighted love is no fantasy as such (temporal) love is rampant in our society. Alonso's, as well as Antonio's villainy, is not a fairy tale as intrigues are a part of political life. Prospero's forgivingness is rare but it is shown by realistic people at certain times.

Supernatural Enterprise in The Tempest

A romance is rendered as incomplete if there are no spirits or supernatural creatures. Supernatural creatures or happenings are beyond scientific explanation. Oxford dictionary defines supernatural as a noun as thus, "Events, forces or powers that cannot be explained by the laws of science and that seem to involve gods or magic". Supernatural serves as the most governing factor in The Tempest after Mid-Summer's Night Dream. When Shakespeare wrote this play, people had a firm believe in supernaturalism.

The events in The Tempest are moved by supernatural powers. From creating the storm in the sea to separating the ship-wrecks, from saving the life of the old Gonzalo to condemning the "three sinners" by the harpy [for the folks who don't know what a harpy is. It is a mythical creature, having a bird-like winged body with a womanish face. ], from placing Ferdinand before Miranda to the masque presented during their marriage ceremony is all masterminded by Prospero and illustrated by Ariel [not the washing powder but a "brave spirit"]. But one thing to be noted here that Prospero is not almighty in his art of magic. His magic cannot make Miranda and Ferdinand love each other [common Genie excuse 😀]. Also, the conspiracy of Antonio and Sebastian to kill King Alonso is not the pursuit of Prospero's magic. But still with Prospero's limited magical power, he knows well to tame the play according to his will.

Does Supernaturalism Make This Play Undisplayable?

Charles Lamb asserted that the rapid supernaturalism made this play a despair for the producer to display spirits among Prospero. His point was justifiable in his time because there was no special equipment to facilitate the audience with a supernatural atmosphere. But today is a shining era of computer animation and creating a spirit or even a mythical Greek god is just a few clicks away in Desktop Apps like Adobe Premiere Pro and Aftereffects. When a majority of people watch dramas on their television for [somewhat] free, the plays like Tempest are easily displayable on television or in short clips on different social media sites or apps [In fact The Tempest will go viral on TikTok and Facebook Reels. 😀].

Conclusion

The beauty of The Tempest is enhanced by its romantic as well as a supernatural atmosphere. Which creates a distinctive but an enjoyable environment for everyone.