The Epilogue
English Lit: AQA GCSE The Tempest, topic 7.1.3
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
- 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
- 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.'
Test yourself on The Epilogue
What is a denoument?
What has Prospero given up by The Epilogue?