Tempest: The Secret Assassination Plot
Exploring Act 2 Scene 1 Shakespeare's Political Intrigue Year 7 English Literature
Setting the Scene: A Mysterious Island
Shipwrecked nobles wash ashore Alonso (King of Naples) and his court Exhausted and vulnerable after the storm Perfect opportunity for treachery
Meet the Conspirators
{"left":"Sebastian - Alonso's ambitious brother\nAntonio - Prospero's usurping brother","right":"Both hungry for power\nBoth have betrayed family before"}
Why Do They Want to Kill the King?
Think about their motivations What would Sebastian gain? How does Antonio benefit? Discuss with your partner
Ariel's Invisible Presence
Prospero's spirit servant watches unseen Can hear every word of the plot Plays music to make everyone sleep Only Sebastian and Antonio stay awake
The Moment of Temptation
"My strong imagination sees a crown / Dropping upon thy head." - Antonio to Sebastian
Draw the Sword - Decision Time
Sebastian agrees to the plot They draw their swords together Ready to kill the sleeping king But Ariel has other plans...
Ariel Intervenes with Music
Plays a warning song in Gonzalo's ear "While you here do snoring lie, / Open-eyed conspiracy" Gonzalo wakes up and alerts everyone The assassination plot is foiled!
Quick Thinking and Lies
{"left":"Sebastian and Antonio must explain their drawn swords\nThey claim they heard wild beasts","right":"Protecting the king from imaginary danger\nEveryone believes their story"}
What Does This Scene Reveal?
About Sebastian's character? About Antonio's influence? About Prospero's power? About justice in the play?
Key Learning Outcomes
Assassination plots reveal character motivations Dramatic irony creates tension for audiences Magic and reality intertwine in Shakespeare Justice prevails through supernatural intervention Political ambition leads to moral corruption