"England is an Island. Though that is surely obvious enough, we do not always remember it, nor all that it implies. By it our history has been moulded. Three centuries ago under Queen Elizabeth Englishmen first became really conscious of their national unity, and since then have taken it for granted; so much so, indeed, that they have often seemed to forget it. Now that beginning of her truly national history was heralded by a very important event: the defeat of the Spanish Armada, sent to attack England by Philip of Spain. Such a victory acted as a powerful stimulus. It was a tangible sign of a new, and striking, truth: England was no longer to be subservient to continental influence, direct or indirect, but, whether in matters political or religious, must function as a unity, as herself." (Pg. 1, The Sceptrede Isle)
The importance of this monograph is, to look at Sheakspeare's plays through their history. The Tempest was written at a time where Spain and England weren't on the best of terms and do you suppose that reflects in the story? You bet your Nicholas Bottom it does! The strain between Prospero and King Alonso isn't reprinted exactly as it was during the time, having removed the situation from England and Spain and set it in Italy, but the principals of the situation still exist. By reading through This Sceptred Isle, I learned a great deal about the historical significance of the Tempest that i hope will translate into our production.
Knight, Wilson. This Sceptred Isle: Shakespeare's Message for England at War. Toronto: Trinity College, 1950. Print.
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