ABSTRACT

The Tempest is my favorite play, and the fi rst one that I saw at the Globe Theatre in London. Now re-reading the epilogue, I am once again amazed by the words Shakespeare chose to end his fi nal play. On one level, the character of Prospero is simply asking the audience for applause and kind words of praise. Yet the epilogue continues with a statement about prayer and forgiveness. Religion, faith, and action are joined together here, and the audience is requested to respond on many levels. Prospero also talks directly to the audience, and mentions the “art to enchant,” indicating that the performance is after all “make-believe,” though requiring actual compassion and appreciation by viewers.