American Poetry
The Tempest, or The Enchanted Island

"The Tempest, or The Enchanted Island" by John Dryden is a Restoration-era adaptation of William Shakespeare's famous play "The Tempest". In Dryden's version, he collaborated with William D'Avenant to create a reimagined and expanded interpretation of Shakespeare's original work. Set on a mysterious island, the play follows the sorcerer Prospero, who uses his magical powers to manipulate the elements and control the inhabitants of the island, including the spirit Ariel and the monstrous Caliban. When a shipwreck brings a group of noblemen to the island, including Prospero's treacherous brother Antonio, the stage is set for a series of magical encounters, romantic entanglements, and dramatic revelations. Dryden's adaptation of "The Tempest" retains much of the original plot and characters from Shakespeare's play but incorporates additional subplots, characters, and scenes to enhance the theatrical spectacle and appeal to the tastes of Restoration audiences. The result is a lavish and extravagant production that showcases Dryden's poetic talents and flair for dramatic storytelling.