Prospero's words in this passage truly showcase his intense emotions and perhaps a touch of drama. He refers to someone as "a devil, a born devil," emphasizing the person's inherent nature. He laments that all his efforts, taken humanely, have been completely lost. It seems as if he has reached a point of frustration and determination. He declares that he will "plague them all, even to roaring." While it might be a bit of an exaggeration, it does add a sense of power and passion to his character. It makes one wonder about the motives and actions that led to this outburst. Is Prospero justified in his feelings? Or is he allowing his emotions to cloud his judgment? These questions add depth and complexity to the story, making it all the more engaging.

PROSPERO : "A devil, a born devil, on whose nature
Nurture can never stick : on whom my pains
Humanely taken, all, all lost, quite lost [...]
I will plague them all,
Even to roaring

I'm not saying Prospero is a little dramatic but almost

The first time I read this, the weirdness completely overwhelmed me. I was so fixated on the strangeness that I couldn't see anything beyond it.

However, this time around, I loved it to bits. It was truly a remarkable piece. As I was reading, I couldn't help but think about what an amazing experience it would have been to see this performed live in Shakespeare's day.

The audience back then would have had a great deal of fun with it. It would have been an absolute spectacle, filled with wonder and excitement.

The energy in the theater, the reactions of the crowd, and the skill of the actors bringing the story to life - it all would have combined to create a truly unforgettable event.

I can only imagine the joy and entertainment that Shakespeare's plays provided to the people of his time. It makes me appreciate the enduring power and beauty of his works even more.

"Hell is empty, and all the devils are here!" This powerful and evocative line seems to resonate deeply in the context of Warner. Warner, perhaps, is the force that has brought about a sense of chaos or turmoil, as if the devils have been unleashed.

Maybe it's the actions or decisions of Warner that have led to this perception. It could be that his presence has disrupted the equilibrium, causing a stir and creating an atmosphere that feels almost infernal.

Yet, there is also a hint of something more in that "<3". It might suggest a complex relationship with Warner, one that is not simply one-sided. There could be a certain allure or fascination, despite the chaos he seems to bring.

Overall, the combination of the quote and the mention of Warner creates a vivid and mysterious image, leaving the reader to wonder about the true nature of this connection and the implications it holds. "Hell is empty, and all the devils are here!"

Because of Warner! <3

Here is a play that truly stands out to me, distinct from the few works of Shakespeare I have perused. It is tragicomic, yet it doesn't lean as heavily towards tragedy or comedy as his other renowned tragedies and comedies. To my mind, however, its background seems far more severe.

It unfolds linearly in a single setting. Even the language appears deceptively simple - an impression no doubt influenced by the reason for my re-reading. Within the framework of the seminar on Shakespeare's criticism, I was plunged into the quest for a theme to explore in an extract from his work, to parallel it with another excerpt around the same topic from an ecocritical perspective. I selected The Tempest due to its near lack of criticism of Elizabethan society and because it is my personal favorite.

This time, it seems to delve into the effects of colonization, human interactions, and the relationship between man and nature.

Aside from the comical interjections of a few characters and Prospero's vengeance towards those who betrayed him, my interest zeroed in on the relationships between Prospero and Ariel on one hand, and Prospero and Caliban on the other. Although Prospero is constantly characterized positively in terms of his character and use of magic, Shakespeare reveals to us the oppression that Prospero imposes on the inhabitants of the island where he is stranded, be they animals, plants, spirits, or humans. He exploits the knowledge of the island and its resources provided by Caliban. He enslaves Caliban, and yet, despite his savagery, Caliban expresses his love for the island with more poetry than the nobler characters and Ariel. Under the guise of having freed him from a spell cast by Caliban's mother, Prospero uses Ariel to exact his revenge, repeatedly promising his release without ever questioning his dominant attitude based on his books and magic.

The island will also be depicted according to different perceptions and conceptions. Without the assistance of Caliban and Ariel to exploit it, Prospero finds it desolate and uninhabitable. For Caliban and Ariel, it is a verdant and bountiful place, rich in life, whether it conforms to the tastes and aesthetics of European man or not; it is filled with a subtle beauty.

In this play, Shakespeare takes his leave through the epilogue of Prospero. We might also perhaps perceive, in his departure from the island and the abandonment of his magic, as well as in Ariel's release, a hint of the suspected effects of colonization that were spreading to America at the time of The Tempest's writing.

The Tempest was a good play. It wasn't my absolute favorite, but it was still enjoyable. The themes in it are particularly vivid and harsh the more you ponder them.

After a storm strikes King Alonso of Naples's ship, the king and his crew find themselves scattered on an island full of sprites, nymphs, and illusions. Amidst all this lives the estranged ex-Duke of Milan and sorcerer, Prospero, with his daughter Miranda. And Prospero is determined to get back what was taken from him.

I found the discussion about imprisonment/slavery and freedom really interesting. In this play, everyone is imprisoned by someone else. Not even the king or Prospero is truly free. What I really liked was how Shakespeare semi-broke the fourth wall so often. In a sense, we, the audience, imprison the play and set it free when we leave the theatre. This is one of Shakespeare's last plays. Could he have been referring to how he has been the audiences' slave and is about to be set free? That brings up more questions: is he like Caliban or Ariel? Either way, the theme of imprisonment/slavery/freedom is directly related to colonialism and the exploration of the Americas. I think this would have elicited a very different response from the peasants watching the play compared to the royalty. Because of that, this was probably a rather rowdy play to watch.

Dreams and nightmares are another major theme in The Tempest. This aspect has what I would call "The Little Prince factor": everyone might get something a bit new from this theme. It usually becomes clear after some illusion, whether it's when the above quote is said, when Ariel terrifies Antonio, Sebastian, and Alonso, or even when Ariel sings of Ferdinand's [maybe] dead father in the beginning. The theme may once again reflect the end of Shakespeare's career, as seen in the epilogue, or simply the play, life, or the way exploration is sacrificing the cultures of the Americas. I'm not sure, but it's definitely interesting to think about.

Lastly, I want to mention Ariel and Trinculo. I adored Ariel; he's probably my favorite Shakespeare character so far (or maybe Hamlet). And Trinculo is hilarious. Also, Caliban? Everyone raves about him, but I didn't find him all that remarkable.

Overall, I did enjoy this work, although it was a bit more boring/weird (but not in a good way). Now I have to decide what to read next from Shakespeare. I'm torn between A Midsummer Night's Dream and Othello.

I firmly believe that The Tempest would have been a far more powerful and impactful work had it been crafted as a tragedy. It truly baffles me as to why William Shakespeare didn't seek my counsel beforehand. If he had, I would have wholeheartedly advised him to conclude his remarkable career with a resounding bang. In this reimagined version, Sebastian would carry out the heinous act of murdering his own brother Alonso. Meanwhile, Antonio would dispatch Gonzalo. Caliban, in his malevolence, would persuade Stephano to kill Prospero. Miranda would be left weeping in despair. Ferdinand, upon discovering his father's lifeless body, would be consumed by rage and murder his uncle. Miranda, lacking the courage to take matters into her own hands and kill her uncle Antonio, would, however, join forces with Ferdinand to capture him and Caliban. They would then avenge Prospero's death by usurping his magical powers and sentencing them to a life of servitude at their every beck and call on the desolate island. Finally, Ariel would be set free.

Here is my personal Shakespeare Top Ten List:

10. The Taming of the Shrew

9. Romeo and Juliet

8. The Tempest

7. Twelfth Night

6. Othello

5. A Midsummer Night’s Dream

4. Much Ado About Nothing

3. King Lear

2. Macbeth

...

1. Hamlet

Harry Potter and the Tempest of Voldemort*
BY JK SHAKESPEARE

In this captivating act, we find Voldemort and Bellatrix in a decrepit English mansion. Voldemort, the dark and powerful wizard, commands his loyal servant, Wormtail. Wormtail has just completed a task assigned by Voldemort, causing a tempest on the Hogwart's Express. He describes how he boarded the train and caused chaos, with the students and professors in a state of panic. Only Harry Potter remained firm. Voldemort is pleased with Wormtail's work but demands more. He questions Wormtail about the time and tasks him with further duties. Wormtail, in turn, reminds Voldemort of a promise he made to him. Voldemort, however, scolds Wormtail and reminds him of his past servitude and the protection he has provided. He warns Wormtail not to murmur and promises to rearm him after two days. Finally, Voldemort wakes up Bellatrix, who has been sleeping soundly. This act sets the stage for more drama and conflict in the story of Harry Potter and the Tempest of Voldemort.

“Hell is empty and all the devils are here.” This profound line is from a play that is believed to have been written in 1611. It might have been one of Shakespeare's last plays. The mature bard, who was 47 at that time and had only 5 more years left in this world, in my humble opinion, created one of his finest works.

“...and then, in dreaming, / The clouds methought would open and show riches / Ready to drop upon me, that when I waked / I cried to dream again.” This play tells the tale of shipwrecked Prospero, the sorcerer Duke of Milan, his daughter Miranda, and his spiritualistic (yet wholly Shakespearean opportunistic) machinations to restore his family to their rightful place.

“O, wonder! / How many goodly creatures are there here! / How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world, / That has such people in't!” Of course, the island is also home to Calaban, and this is where Shakespeare's genius is on full display. Calaban is the earthly foil to Prospero and Ariel, adding a historic off-stage depth to the narrative.

\\"a southwest wind blow on ye and blister ye o'er\\". The play is complete and tightly wound, yet entertaining throughout. Prospero may be one of the most complicated and interesting of all of Shakespeare's characters, and his relationships with Miranda, Ariel, and Caliban make for a literary legend. It is very entertaining. Finally, this play is simply, beautifully written and a joy to behold.

“Our revels now are ended. These our actors, / As I foretold you, were all spirits and / Are melted into air, into thin air: / And, like the baseless fabric of this vision, / The cloud-capp’d towers, the gorgeous palaces, / The solemn temples, the great globe itself, / Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve / And, like this insubstantial pageant faded, / Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff / As dreams are made on, and our little life / Is rounded with a sleep.”

*** 2019 reread - I was inspired to revisit this wonderful play after reading Margaret Atwood's wonderful retelling Hag-Seed. This time around (I've no idea how many times I've read, seen, or listened to this), I was especially intent on Prospero's relationship with Miranda, Ariel, and Caliban, and I paid close attention to his motivations for giving up his magic.

Frankly speaking, if John Fowles hadn't mentioned it so much, I don't know if I would have read "The Tempest".

The book tells a mythological story written in Shakespeare's poetic language about betrayals, revenges, loves and power balances.

It definitely didn't have a profound impact, but it also makes people analyze the dialogues with deep insights into why the great English writers have been so influenced.

  Finally, I understood once again that Shakespeare has caused an amazing and flawless expansion in the English language, drama and theater genres. His influence is still continuing, but I can say once again with peace of mind that Shakespeare didn't satisfy my mind in a literary sense.

Prospero, the central character in "The Tempest", seems to be a master manipulator. He deftly maneuvers his daughter Miranda, the prince Ferdinand, his father the King of Naples, Ariel, Caliban, and the entire cast! He weaves a web of plans and intrigues that keep the story in a constant state of flux.

However, towards the end, there is a significant turn of events. **Spoiler warning here, if anyone actually needs it** He decides to set his slaves free and forgives those who have wronged him, even those who tried to murder him. This act of forgiveness and liberation shows a different side of Prospero, one that is more compassionate and understanding. And let's not forget, he also has some truly excellent lines that add depth and charm to the play.

Review to come. As for my initial comments, the "book from the 1600s" space on my 2016 Classics Bingo card was one of the last few to be filled. I had previously attempted to get into Milton's "Paradise Lost" but unfortunately failed. However, "The Tempest" has been a much more enjoyable read so far. :)

General Introduction
The Chronology of Shakespeare's Works
Introduction, by Martin Butler
The Play in Performance
Further Reading

--The Tempest

An Account of the Text
The Music
Commentary

The above is a brief overview of a work related to Shakespeare's "The Tempest". The general introduction likely provides an overall context and background. The chronology of Shakespeare's works helps to situate "The Tempest" within his oeuvre. Martin Butler's introduction might offer unique insights and interpretations. The section on the play in performance gives an idea of how the play has been staged and presented over the years. The further reading list provides additional resources for those interested in delving deeper into the play. The account of the text focuses on the specific details and characteristics of the written work. The music section explores any musical elements associated with the play. And finally, the commentary offers a more in-depth analysis and discussion of various aspects of "The Tempest".

General Introduction
The Chronology of Shakespeare's Works
Introduction, by Martin Butler
The Play in Performance
Further Reading

--The Tempest

An Account of the Text
The Music
Commentary

Shakespeare, the renowned playwright and poet, has long been a subject of speculation and mystery.

Some have wondered if he might have written some of his greatest works while in a state of intoxication.

It's an interesting thought, as his plays are filled with such vivid language, complex characters, and profound themes.

Could the inspiration for these masterpieces have come to him in a drunken haze?

While there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, it's fun to imagine Shakespeare sitting at his desk, quill in hand, perhaps a goblet of wine by his side, penning lines that would go on to be studied and admired for centuries.

Whether he was drunk or sober when he wrote, one thing is certain: Shakespeare's works have had a profound impact on the world of literature and continue to be relevant and engaging today.

So, Shakespeare, if you're out there somewhere, we ask you: did you write this while drunk? Be honest.