Yes, according to some interpretations, while containing a traditional masque scene, the whole play can be seen as a masque.
The Tempest: More Than Just a Play
While William Shakespeare's The Tempest functions as a full-length drama, it incorporates elements characteristic of a masque, a form of festive courtly entertainment popular in 16th and 17th century England. The play not only features a specific masque sequence within the narrative but also possesses broader qualities that align with the masque genre.
Based on the provided reference:
- The play explicitly includes a masque with gods and goddesses (specifically Iris, Ceres, and Juno) appearing and dancing as a performance for the young couple, Ferdinand and Miranda.
- Significantly, the whole play can be seen as a masque by some scholars and interpreters.
- This interpretation is supported by the fact that much of the story is told in music and song, a hallmark of masques which heavily relied on spectacle, dance, and musical performance.
- As is often the case with Shakespeare, he doesn't simply adhere to a form but subverts the masque, adding layers of complexity and meaning that go beyond simple courtly entertainment.
Therefore, while it contains a masque scene, the entire play The Tempest is sometimes viewed through the lens of a masque due to its structure, use of music, and thematic elements, even as it simultaneously challenges the genre's conventions.
