The Tempest

by William Shakespeare

The Tempest: Setting 1 key example

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Definition of Setting

Setting is where and when a story or scene takes place. The where can be a real place like the city of New York, or it can be an imagined... read full definition
Setting is where and when a story or scene takes place. The where can be a real place like the city of New York, or... read full definition
Setting is where and when a story or scene takes place. The where can be a real place like the... read full definition
Setting
Explanation and Analysis:

The Tempest is set on a remote island that is inhabited by spirits like Ariel and Caliban. The island is possibly in the Mediterranean during the European Rennaissance, which was a time of widespread geographic exploration and discovery. Some critics argue that it was inspired by a shipwreck in the Bermudas. Before the play begins, Prospero is cast out to sea by his men in Milan with his three-year-old daughter and they happen to land on this magical island. Prospero, Miranda, and the shipwrecked nobles are the only humans on it.