The Tempest (Cambridge School Shakespeare)
by William Shakespeare
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Book Summary Information
Author: William ShakespeareEditor: Rex Gibson
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-09-19
ISBN: 0521618789
Number of pages: 193
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Book Reviews of The Tempest (Cambridge School Shakespeare)
Book Review: A 'God' Who Learns To Forgive
Summary: 4 Stars
This review is dedicated to my father. Along with "Macbeth" and "Midsummer Night's Dream," this was one of his favorites. The play begins with an unfortunate ship being caught in a storm. In the next scene, we move from the ocean to a nearby island. There, we learn that the tempest was not from natural causes, but from the magic of our hero Prospero. Prospero has a grudge against certain passengers on that ship. (Miranda is in her teens, but she sounds much younger. Possibly because she has lead such a sheltered life.) Prospero's brother Antonio usurped Prospero's dukedom andhanded control over to King Alonso. Prospero and his daughter were banished, and the benevolent Gonzalo furnished them with books Prospero loved. (Prospero has been called the greatest representation of Shakespeare himself.) We may note though that while Prospero is the hero of this play, he has a major fault. (He loves playing God.) One example is when Ariel, (his fairy servant) asks for her 'promised freedom of air,' rather than just politely asking for some more time, Prospero threatens her.
Moving on, we meet the deceased Sycorax's son Caliban. (Prospero defeated Sycorax) Prospero tried to be nice to Caliban, but Caliban repaid him by trying to rape Miranda. But since he enoys playing God, Prospero subjects Caliban to a torturous slavery. We later meet Ferdinand (the son of the king on the ship). He sees Miranda and loves her. But Prospero decides that he can not let his daughter be won too easily, and like Caliban, ferdinand is made to do hard labor.
Moving on, we understand that the king (Ferdinand's father) is Prospero's enemy. But we are allowed generous sympathy for him when he is sorrow struck over his missing son. And even Ariel (Prospero's servant) stops an attempt by Antonio and Sebastian to kill the king.
Later, caliban meets Stephano and Trinculo. the 3 become friends (throughsome comical use of wine) and join together to defeat Prospero and take over the island.
Onto Act 3. ferdinand and Miranda express their love for each other, and Prospero (watching from an unseen location) is pleased. Antonio and Sebastian make another plan to kill Alonso. At this point, we can infer that Ariel has warned Prospero of the Caliban/Stephano/Trinculo plot. But Prospero sees another chance to play God. Antonio, Sebastian, Alonso, and Gonzalo are starving. Ariel and Prospero make an image of a banquet appear before them only to vanish. (This is kind of below the belt.)
In Act 4, Prospero shows a gentler side when he consents to the marriage of Ferdinand and Miranda. Like a reasonable father, he asks Ferdinand to 'wait' until the wedding is performed. In a beautiful "Midsumer Night's Dream" nostaliga moment, there is a dance of fairies. Another interesting thing worth pointing out is that Prospero DID NOT tell Miranda of the murder plot against him. Either he is confident of being able to quell it himself, or he thinks it is beyond Miranda's comprehension. Perhaps he has played 'God' for a while and feels an attempt on his life is laughable.
Moving on, Prospero gives his most famous speech. And it is tempting to suspect that Shakespeare is getting ready to say farewell to his art. (He only wrote one more play after this.)
In 5.1, Prospero gives yet another beautiful speech on his accomplishments, and with the help of Ariel, Prospero realizes that revenge IS NOT a virtue. (Rather, forgiveness is!) It is VERY interesting that someone who enjoyed playing God fianlly realizes that forgiveness is the true measure of a man or god for that matter.
Well, Prospero reconciles with the King and Gonzalo. (Even Antonio and Sebastian are forgiven.) Prospero informs the king that his son is safe and will soon be married to Miranda. Even Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo are forgiven.
Overall, it's a wonderful play that shows that the greatest power in the world is forgiveness.
Summary of The Tempest (Cambridge School Shakespeare)
This new edition of The Tempest is part of the established Cambridge School Shakespeare series and has been substantially updated with new and revised activities throughout. Remaining faithful to the series' active approach it treats the play as a script to be acted, explored and enjoyed. As well as the complete script of The Tempest, you will find a variety of classroom-tested activities, an eight-page colour section and an enlarged selection of notes including information on characters, performance, history and language.Drama Books
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