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.
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.
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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