When did William Shakespeare write The Tempest?
William Shakespeare wrote The Tempest between late 1610 and mid-1611. This play stands as one of his final solo works before collaborating on Henry VIII or Cardenio.
Questions about The Tempest
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What historical event inspired the opening scene of The Tempest by William Shakespeare?
A shipwreck in 1609 provided the spark for the opening scene of The Tempest. William Strachey documented this real event in a letter dated the 15th of July 1610 describing the Sea Venture crashing into Bermuda while sailing toward Virginia.
How was The Tempest preserved in the First Folio of 1623?
Edward Blount entered The Tempest into the Stationers' Register on the 8th of November 1623. Ralph Crane prepared a handwritten manuscript based on Shakespeare's rough draft which served as the basis for printing.
Who performed The Tempest at Whitehall Palace on the 1st of November 1611?
The King's Men acted six Shakespeare plays during winter festivities celebrating Princess Elizabeth's wedding including The Tempest at Whitehall Palace on the 1st of November 1611. James I attended this performance.
Which songs from The Tempest survive from William Shakespeare's lifetime?
Two songs survive from William Shakespeare's lifetime: Full Fathom Five and Where The Bee Sucks There Suck I. Robert Johnson composed these for the King's Men around 1659.