Act 1, Scene 1 Summary

"A Tempest" by Aime Cesaire is a play based largely on Shakespeare's "The Tempest" with only a few changes. Cesaire's version of this play explores the original concepts in further depth by incorporating the themes of colonialism and Negritude which Cesaire studied extensively. "A Tempest" addresses modernist issues and theories through the utilization of a classic play that most modern readers are familiar with.

Gonzalo, Sebastian and Antonio worry about the raging storm and call for the captain. As the captain and the boatswain try to control the ship, Alonso questions the boatswain who tells the passengers to return to their cabins below deck. Gonzalo demands respect due to their relation to the king, but the boatswain continues to be rude and disrespectful, reiterating his command that they return below deck. Gonzalo, Alonso and Antonio complain about the boatswain's manners amongst...