This week’s book discussion focused on the Tempest by Shakespeare and was led by Clara Barby of Acumen Fund. Clara had a wonderful interpretation of how this mysterious text explored the topic of ego and what it means to be human.
Prospero, who had been trapped on an island with his daughter, used his magic to summon a tempest which shipwrecks those who trapped him there in the first place. His actions are more than just revenge; they also show he is trying to invite them to see their mistakes and seek redemption. Otherwise, he could have just killed them full stop. In his quest however, he begins to get caught up in his own ego and power until Ariel (the indentured sprite helper) reminds him to forgive. Ariel is the only non-human being in the book and reminds Prospero of what it means to be a noble human. The turning point in the text is below (5.1.17-20).
Ariel: if you now beheld them your affections
Would become tender.
Prospero: Dost thou think so, spirit?
Ariel: Mine would, sir, were I human.
Prospero: And mine shall.
Interesting book. I can’t help but think: if Prospero had so many magical powers, why were he and his daughter stranded on an island for 12 years? If I knew magic (enough to create a tempest and eventually get everyone off the island in the end of the book), I sure wouldn’t be hanging out on a remote island for so long!
Random fun question: If you could choose a magic power, what would it be?
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