A high-quality KS3 Shakespeare analysis resource focused on how different types of power are presented through character and language in Act 1 Scene 2 of The Tempest.

This lesson is carefully scaffolded to support pupils in moving from guided language analysis to independent interpretation, making it ideal for Year 8 classes and particularly suitable for higher-attaining pupils.

How the task is structured:

Prospero and Ariel: Guided analysis exploring how Prospero’s authority is established through language, command, and control.

Miranda and Prospero: Guided focus on Miranda’s emotional and moral power, with underlined quotations highlighting her empathy and compassion and how these influence Prospero.

Prospero and Caliban: Independent analysis section where pupils decide for themselves how power is shown, challenged, or enforced.

Skills focus:

Analysing Shakespeare’s language choices
Identifying different forms of power (authority, control, empathy, force)
Selecting precise quotations
Evaluating whether power is fair or unjust
Making justified interpretations using evidence

What’s included:

Carefully selected public-domain extracts from Act 1 Scene 2
Clear WALT and success criteria
A focused language analysis skill (zooming in on key words and explaining how they show power or control)
Guided and independent questions to support differentiation
Key prompts to encourage deeper thinking and discussion

Why teachers value this resource:

Directly supports core KS3 Shakespeare themes
Encourages higher-order thinking and evaluation
Reduces teacher talk with clear scaffolding
Ideal for lessons on power, authority, and relationships
Easily adaptable for different ability levels

Suitable for:

KS3 English
KS3 Shakespeare
The Tempest
Themes of power and control
Language analysis practice

This resource works well as a standalone lesson or as part of a wider Shakespeare unit exploring power, obedience, and moral authority.