HOW EFFECTIVE IS THE OPENING SCENE AS AN INTRODUCTION TO 'THE TEMPEST'?

are two groups within this scene, the nobles and the sailors. Ironically it is the sailors who appear to work as a team effectively while the nobles are continuously fighting and adamant to portray their ‘rightful’ power, in effect they are merely being childlike and useless. The King, Alonso was used to having a sense of superiority however he evidently has no control in this situation. Boatswain says “What cares these roarers for the name of king?” This quote conveys the theme of class, status and power. The King realised himself to be authoritative; however in the circumstance of being stranded on a ship his control is lost. It seems he feels threatened by his loss of control and goes to patronise Boatswain, “Good Boatswain have care.” There was no apparent need for Alonso to say this as Boatswain is in control however it seems that Alonso is merely desperate to assert his power. The supposed superior class reveal their vulnerability as they are taken out from their luxurious lifestyles. This idea is supported through Gonzalo, a wise old counsillor’s speech. He says, “Make the rope of his destiny our cable, for our own doth little advantage.” Here he is trying to persuade the passengers to dismiss any hierarchy as he realises that the nobles are not helping the situation.  Furthermore evidence showing the absurdity of society’s social system is highlighted when Sebastian, Alonso’s brother replies to Boatswain, who was constructively taking control, with “A pox o’ your throat, you bawling, blasphemous, incharitable dog!” This inappropriate response highlights his insecurity of not being in power and his inability to take orders showing the aristocracies in a negative light, portraying them as shallow and arrogant. This draws parallels to the chaos of society in the sixteenth century. It shows incapable leaders not willing to step back and let someone more competent handle the situation. Antonio and Sebastian both want to “sink wi’th’ King”. This conveys their vanity, they feel that it would bring them honour after their death however it is apparent that the desire this purely to benefit their own status. Antonio mentions that he has been “cheated out of our lives by drunkards”. This enhances the audience’s perception of his selfishness. He is criticising those who are trying to save his life through his inability to hand over control.  Furthermore, Gonzalo uses misogynous comments enhancing the idea that he is incapable of handling this situation in a constructive manner. He says, “Were no stronger than a nutshell, as leaky as an unstanched wench.” This crude suggestion is not only inappropriate but he is not giving any moral support to his fellow passengers and is potentially creating a negative vibe abroad. The storm symbolises the idea of Prospero’s intense resent and desire for revenge for his brother who refused to return his Dukes title. It could also portray the theme of fate or destiny which is poignant throughout the play. It portrays the idea that nature is angry reflecting the idea of usurpation and disorder on board. It shows the desire to kill the king; the audience of Shakespeare’s time would be able to relate to this theme as they were relying on fate to settle the conflict between the Protestants and the Catholics. In this scene Gonzalo uses the metaphor, “Make the rope of his destiny our cable.” This quote displays his devout belief that fate will show them the way. He seems to have lost hope in being rescued and relies in fate to bring them safe. The storm, as well as being a symbol for Prospero’s resent towards his brother for refusing to return his Dukes title, could also be used to emphasise the bitter conflict between the nobles and sailors, also the arguments that seem to be brewing between the nobles as they compete for power in a situation where social statuses are unimportant. In the stage directions it says, “Enter Mariners wet”. In this context the sea could be used to symbolise the idea of holy water in baptism, suggesting a new start. They have to face up to living on the island together; it represents a new chapter for them in their lives. There is also the suggestion that the sea equates the characters. They are all in the same position; there is no separation between the treatment of the nobles and the sailors displaying their indifferences despite their various perceptions of themselves in society. The chaotic opening to this play is poignant as traditionally tragedies end in chaos and disorder, maybe giving a forewarning as to the commotion that occurs later in the play.    The dramatic tension caused by the storm creates an effective opening to the play as within it it encapsulates many themes and symbols which are relevant to the rest of the play. As a performance it would help to draw the audience into the action and would encourage them to feel inquisitive about the character’s destinies. The various characters are clearly depicted within this scene, in this situation the conflict between them is potentially threatening to their lives which again would draw the audience further in. The themes and symbols in the opening scene help to are depicted as continuous plot lines which give the play a linear feel, making it easier to watch.