For many, ""The Tempest"" constitutes Shakespeare's farewell to the stage. It seems to foreshadow a powerful movement of retreat, and it stands as one of the most evocative and moving explorations of human possibilities and limits. This invaluable new study guide to one of Shakespeare's greatest plays contains a selection of the finest criticism through the centuries on ""The Tempest"". Students will also benefit from the additional features included in this volume, such as an introduction by Harold Bloom, an accessible summary, analysis of key passages, a comprehensive list of characters, a biography of Shakespeare, and more.