7.1.3
The Epilogue
Summary of The Epilogue
Summary of The Epilogue
An epilogue is a speech or section that comes at the end of a play. Prospero asks the audience to set him free. Some see this as Shakespeare giving up his role as playwright.
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Prospero wants to be set free
Prospero wants to be set free
- The Epilogue begins with Prospero begging the audience to set him free.
- Prospero thinks his job is done. The audience should applaud him so he can return to Milan with the others because they have seen what they wanted to see - the reconciliation and forgiveness at the denouement (final part) of the play as well as Prospero giving up his magic.
![Illustrative background for Shakespeare giving up his art](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-07/a87d8f86-59ed-42e4-a0e9-5341ab4b8f52/Shakespear-England-Poetry,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
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Shakespeare giving up his art
Shakespeare giving up his art
- Many also read this as Shakespeare also giving up his art as a playwright. So the two become one in this rather empowering end to a tempestuous (very emotional) play:
- 'As you from crimes would pardoned be, / Let your indulgence set me free.'
1Key Words
2Context & Overview
2.1Context & Overview
3Act 1
3.1Act 1 Analysis
4Act 2
4.1Act 2 Analysis
5Act 3
5.1Act 3 Analysis
6Act 4
6.1Act 4 Analysis
7Act 5
7.1Act 5 Analysis
8Key Characters
8.1Major Characters
8.2Minor Characters
9Themes
10Authorial Method
10.1Authorial Method
Jump to other topics
1Key Words
2Context & Overview
2.1Context & Overview
3Act 1
3.1Act 1 Analysis
4Act 2
4.1Act 2 Analysis
5Act 3
5.1Act 3 Analysis
6Act 4
6.1Act 4 Analysis
7Act 5
7.1Act 5 Analysis
8Key Characters
8.1Major Characters
8.2Minor Characters
9Themes
10Authorial Method
10.1Authorial Method
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