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Tempest and Hagseed - Summary Notes based on Module
advanced english (ENGADV)
University of Sydney
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Resonances and dissonances between The Tempest and Hag-Seed
Point Significance Examples Link to Module
Miranda
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The Tempest -only other human character Prospero interacts with in 12 years, only 3 when exiled -Caliban sees Miranda as a target for his sexual desires, and Prospero must protect her from this -Her only perspective on outside world is her father’s views -New and novel to have someone else there, which is why she fell for Ferdinand, -Engages paternal instincts within Prospero -> tests Ferdinand to see if he is worthy of his daughter -Focus of Prospero is on his daughter, rather than those who have done him wrong -At a loss that Miranda is going -Prospero is left with nobody and his mental health still requires a lot of work
Hag-Seed -Felix talks about typical kids vs imagined Miranda -Paternal side is still there -Need to protect Anne Marie in the prison -Felix still needs to seek revenge, and doesn’t focus on Miranda solely -Felix lets Miranda go, which is a similarity to The Tempest as Prospero and Felix relinquish the control of Miranda
The Tempest -‘How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world that has such people in’t!’ -> Miranda only know what her father has told her, which was presumably all bad things about the people who wronged him Hag-Seed -Page 15 – ‘She (Miranda) couldn’t have simply vanished from the universe. He’d refused to believe that.’ ->shows that he could not let Miranda go and that he couldn’t grieve because he couldn’t believe she was gone -Page 16-17 – ‘Felix himself would be Prospero, her loving father.’ ->Shows that Felix is protective over Miranda and that he still has paternal instincts -Page 41 – ‘Quite simply his Miranda must be released from her glass coffin; she must be given a life ... Second, he wanted revenge.’ ->Ambitions not just about Miranda but also about revenge. He doesn’t let Miranda take over his ultimate goal
-Miranda is an intentional difference within Hag-Seed -Adapting Miranda allows Atwood to explore new aspects of Felix/Prospero -build ideas about Prospero because he has an active relationship with Miranda ->he influences his behaviour -Felix and Miranda’s reaction is inactive, is shown as a fault within Felix ->mental health is deemed to be not healthy -highlights fallibility of Felix and draws responders to prevalent modern social views -Miranda->shift in social values and intentional device to explore main protagonist
-Release that Miranda is leaving, she is a mental burden on him
Characterisation
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-Realistic, relatable and emotional characters The Tempest -Obstacles with The Tempest as we may not be able to be sympathetic with them, due to the change of social values ->sorry for Caliban, Prospero is a villain, Miranda is cliched for falling for Ferdinand -Characters are not given enough opportunity for character development
Hag-Seed -Inmates understand and relate to Caliban - >demonised and imprisoned -Anne-Marie assumes the role of Miranda while remaining a strong independent female character -Felix plays both a supervisory role and is accountable to others for his actions (Estelle)
Parallels -Prospero and Felix -Miranda and Anne-Marie -Alonso, Antonio and Sal, Tony -Ariel and 8Handz, Miranda -Ferdinand and Freddie
The Tempest
- ‘abhorred slave, I pitied thee’ ->makes you feel sorry for Caliban and shows that Miranda could see his point of view about his bad treatment -‘your charm so strongly works that if you now behold them, your affections would become tender’ -> Ariel about Prospero, he is a relatable character who everyone can see was manipulative but now is kinder
Hag-Seed -Page 111 – ‘Caliban is bound to raise uncomfortable issues’ ->Caliban is seen as relatable to the inmates -Page 147 – ‘Despite her razor edge she’s a bright light in a dim space. She breaks up the monotones.’ (Felix description of Anne- Marie) ->Anne-Marie is still independent but is a parallel to Miranda for Prospero
-Mirroring traits and aspects of characters maintains clear connections to original text (textual integrity) -Changing the context of the characters allows exploration of new ideas -Inmates having distinctive voice enables breaking down of stereotypes and creation of rich and complex characterisation -Perspective of characters within the text changes responder views - >Caliban
-Performance serves to rehabilitate inmates and revenge for Felix -Felix draws attention to the underhand and morally questionable nature of his actions
Parallels Exploring individual relationships between groups ->reinforce or questioning
How does reimagining or reframing Hag-Seed mirror, align or collide with aspects of
The Tempest and What are the common and disparate issues, values, assumptions
and perspectives between two texts?
Point Significance Examples Link to Module
Vengeance and
mercy
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The Tempest -Prospero seeks vengeance as a means of restoring ‘natural order’ (returning to his former position of power) however this turns to mercy and forgiveness when his focus shifts to Miranda and Ferdinand -Prospero shouldn’t do magic because it is bad, realisation that he has the wrong morals
Hag-Seed -Felix is fueled by vengeance and is determined to get it at all costs -Felix is more vengeful and is happy to subvert morals frequently
The Tempest -The rarer action is in virtue rather than vengeance’ -> shows how Prospero changes to focus on forgiveness rather than vengeance
Hag-Seed -Page 72 – ‘He’s been chewing over his revenge for twelve years ‘ -> he is willing to do whatever it takes to get his revenge
The shift in motivation of the main protagonist is a reflection of social values changing -The Tempest is but where you sit in terms of your own moral judgements and values -Hag-Seed morals don’t weigh on us as heavily -Hag-Seed gives us more opportunity to form our own ideas and moral at the end of the text
-Page 73 – ‘What he had in mind was vengeance – that was certainly universal.’ -> everyone wants revenge
Imprisonment
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All characters become imprisoned either metaphorically or literally: -Prospero -> island and magic -Miranda -> island and her father -Ariel and Caliban -> servitude to Prospero -Duke and Antonio -> island and the consequences of their actions -Trinculo and Stephano ->their ambition -Felix -> solitude, desire for revenge and Miranda -Anne-Marie ->life detour due to loss -Inmates -> jail and rehabilitation -Sal and Tony -> theatre experience and blackmail
The Tempest -‘therefore was thou deservedly confined to this rock’ -> Miranda talking to Caliban about how he deserves to be treated poorly
Hag-Seed -Pages 30 – ‘He longed for a den, a hidey-hole, a place where he knew no one and no one knew him’ -> Felix is imprisoned by his solitude but he can’t help but long for it -‘to the elements be free’ he says to her. And, finally, she is. -> Felix letting go of Miranda
-Forces conflict in the text, confrontation/motivation /flaws -Important to focus on the metaphorical imprisonment as it is what drives or is the reason for the lack of drive for the characters
Metatheatre
-Internal monologue is a narrative equivalent to an
The Tempest -Prospero is orchestrating the whole thing as a result of his own selfish ambition ->highlights influence of director on others -The Tempest’s other characters are manipulated through Ariel - >changes they way they think or
The Tempest
Hag-Seed -Page 61 – ‘When you
-Creation of multilayer text that provides greater opportunity for effective characterisation
Magic and Illusion
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The Tempest -Prospero’s conjuring or magic and control of spirits (Caliban and Ariel) play on the audience’s fear of the surreal to entertain and convey a moral message -Prospero controls the experiences of others by using his magic -Prospero realises he has been mislead and chooses to give up magic to reclaim his power
Hag-Seed -Felix embraces the manipulation of technology and his own ‘spirit’ (8Handz) freely as a means of punishing Sal and Tony while deceiving others -Audience still fears technology -Felix doesn’t feel guilty he just doesn’t want to get caught
The Tempest
- ‘But this rough magic I here abjure... I’ll break my staff, bury it certain fathoms in the earth’ (But I surrender all this magic now..’ll break my staff and bury it far underground)
Hag-Seed -Page 79 – ‘It’s theatre... The art of true illusions!
-Page 113 – ‘But what kind of island is it? Is it magic in itself? We never really know. It’s different for each one of the people who’s landed on it. Some of them fear it, some of them want to control it. Some of them just want to get away from it.’
-Reimagining of technology has maintained the ‘mysterious and surreal’ elements of The Tempest -Provides realistic and relatable medium to showcase the power of illusion -Magic was seen as real and fered in Shakespeare’s time
How are composers influenced by other texts, context and values?
Point Significance Examples Link to Module
Social values
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Many social values remain the same however the adaptations into narrative form enables manipulation or fresh perspectives and ideas The Tempest Rigid views on social classes, role of religion, magic and the supernatural, ‘natural order of power and hierarchy. All are addressed through moral lessons ie. Prospero realising his magic is the source of his downfall, rather than seeing revenge-Prospero forgives Antonio, Stephano and Trinculo- humorous that they attempt to rise above the social standing
Hag-Seed Marginal social class offered voice through the inmates assuming various characters. New perspective on caliban, inmates relate and empathise with. Felix has more internal dialogue - >personal insights on the justice system, social classes, manipulation of power and human behaviour. Direct way of voicing social insights to the responder rather than inferring moral lessons. Felix’s thoughts don’t accurately reflect what he is saying to the inmates, he doesn't want to upset anyone.
The Tempest
Hag-Seed -Page 58 – ‘ Watching the many faces watching their own faces as they pretended to be someone else – Felix found that strangely moving. For once in their lives, they loved themselves.’
-Page 111 – ‘Caliban is bound to raise uncomfortable issues’
Shakespeare has a clear purpose of text with moral lessons ->personal reflections and character insights. Atwood maintained many universal debates on social justice and values. Clear adaptation to provide more meaningful narrative voice for multiple characters and more accurately reflect modern views/attitudes. Engages responders in reflection of own personal views and values. Magic to technology-> current views of technology Stephano and Trinculo - >add humour vs inmates - > provide valid and mature insights into social condition
Gender equality
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Clear discrepancy in regards to female characters The Tempest Miranda is the only female character in the text, view is shaped by father. Plays under the control of Prospero and then to Ferdinand. Offered few opportunities to have a voice on
The Tempest Empowered females enabled Atwood to address a gap in the original text and align Hag-seed with contemporary views and values. Personal context of responders allow debate about the
-Page 173 – ‘Two weeks to go before the day the plants converge and the tempest is unleashed.’
-Page 147 – ‘The theatre isn’t a republic, it’s a monarchy.’
What are the key textual features, conventions, contexts, values and purposes?
Point Significance Examples Link to Module
Perspectives
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The Tempest Characters have opportunity to share their point of view (social classes)-use of soliloquies, asides and duologues-responder sees multiple view points for purpose of humor (Stephano and Trinculo), reflection (Prospero), ambition (Antonio) and imprisonment (Ariel and caliban)
Hag-Seed Biased towards one perspective (Felix)-singular representation manipulates perspective of other characters in the text. Allows for more internal monologue and deeper understanding of Felix however shifts in his perspectives and reflection on his own flaws.
The Tempest -’Abhorred slave, Which any print of goodness wilt not take, being capable of all ill!’(Miranda) (You horrid slave, you can’t be trained to be good, and you’re capable of anything evil!)
Hag-Seed -Page 161 – ‘He takes a deep breath, plunges across the threshold into that world of damaged wishes, forlorn hopes. So bright, shining, so out of reach for him.’ (Felix in the toy store)
Diverse rango of narrative voices, enables exploration of multiple perspectives in the context and values that the text is composed. Tempest has a greater range of characters with an authentic narrative voice, however results in development of less complex and rich relationships and plot. Hagseed narrative voice of protagonist _>comes at expense of multiple perspectives and biases other character representation. Still enables varied social values and attitudes
Structure The Tempest -five act dramatic structure -complication is established prior
Hag-Seed -Page 10 – ‘How he has
Subversion of dramatic structure allows Atwood to expand on and explore
to beginning-issues and context already prefaced by the downfall and exile or prospero-solely focused on revenge
Hag-Seed -Traditional narrative structure, compilation takes place after Felix’s power and prestige is shown in early chapters. Responder has time to develop an opinion of Felix and ‘invest’ themselves in the story and his quest for revenge -More closure at end of text- >actor’s reflection and predictions of their assigned characters
fallen. How deflated. How reduced. Cobbling together his bare existence, living in a hovel, ignored in a forgotten backwater; whereas Tony, that self- promoting, posturing little shit, gallivants about with the grandees, and swills champagne, and gobbles caviar and larks/ tongues and suckling pigs, and attends galas, and basks in adoration of his entourage, his flunkies, his toadies...’ (
The Tempest
new aspects of the characters. Shows main themes of The Tempest as well as allowing responder to engage in more ‘complete’ version of the storyline. Inclusion of reflections and predictions for characters within original text in Hag-seed, provides further opportunity for the responder to gain closure on the key ideas and relationships. Atwood has successfully enriched The Tempest into more complete and engaging experience for the responder.
Responder engagement- influence of personal, cultural and historical context and
knowledge
Point Significance Examples Link to Module
Personal Context Both texts provide responders to consider their personal values and attitudes. Judgements made by responders shape representation of characters and the success of the texts in conveying moral lessons. -Felix-> corrupts prison system designed to rehabilitate people, used for his own revenge -Prospero ->uses magic and illusion to control the island- shakespearean audience would not approve of this -Miranda->imaginary character in Hag Seed-adds depth and complexity to Felix, complex or cliched?
The Tempest
Hag-Seed -Page 107 – ‘Fool, he tells himself. She’s not here. She was never here. It was imagination and wishful thinking, nothing but that. Resign yourself. He can’t resign himself.’
Texts which successfully entice the responder into reflection on their personal views and values, provide opportunity to challenge or reinforce social and cultural attitudes. The manipulation of key ideas from The Tempest in Hag- Seed to create responder engagement through maintaining the integrity of the original text, while incorporating contemporary views. Responder critically evaluates success of both
-Prospero’s books and magic symbolises his power over others. Even Caliban recognises that the only reason Prospero has any power is because he has learnt magic-> exile to island is result of him neglecting his position -Prospero makes Miranda and Ferdinand play chess. Chess is strategic involving capturing the king. This is the game that Prospero has been playing with the people stranded on the island. Marrying these two could be viewed as part of his strategy
Hag-Seed -Prospero’s cloak -> designed to mirror Prospero’s magic cloak. Doesn;t get to use it and continues to refer to it throughout the play and then wears it while he tortures Tony and Sal, in a similar way that Prospero retires the cloak -The shanty: mirrors isolation or Prospero on the island. Difference is that Felix chooses to isolate himself. Felix emerges from the isolation, while Prospero conjures the tempest -Fletcher correctional facility: symbolic of island and imprisonment. Felix, Anne-Marie and Miranda have ability to leave prison as they choose -Hag-Seed: slur used by inmates that shows empathy towards Caliban as well as moral dilemma in acknowledging his attempt to rape Miranda, constantly referred to throughout Hag-Seed
themes. The focus of many symbols change, however, which allows Atwood to represent modernised version of the story and engage contemporary responders in reflection on current social issues and values. This is essential in building responder engagement. These symbols create intertextuality, Hag-Seed is an adaptation of The Tempest, maintains links back to fundamental ideas that run across the two texts. Gives modern representations of them.
Intertextuality -Felix as an omniscient narrator, collides with The Tempest where multiple voices are presented.
The Tempest Intertextuality adds textual integrity whilst also adding contemporary key
More in-depth mirroring of Felix with Prospero. Hag-Seed utilises free indirect discourse to combine actions of Felix with his internal dialogue to show his motivations and links back to Prospero. Replaces soliloquies and asides. Free indirect discourse, Felix aligns himself with the character, Prospero, and the circumstances he finds himself in. Felix constantly quotes Prospero. Doubles as a means of mirroring the major concerns of the protagonist while also reinforcing contrasts (distance between characters) -Numerous references to Caliban and the plight of indigenous and colonized peoples across both texts. Atwood has modernised these concerns by exploring the plight or marginalised groups within society. This is necessary and the Jacobean zeitgeist (context) of The Tempest provides opportunity to explore these issues in a relevant manner. However, Atwood provides voices for marginalised groups through diversity of inmates. -Miranda and Anne-Marie - >Atwood adds complexity to the character Miranda by having an imaginary version and the character assumed by Anne- Marie. The imaginary version of Miranda explores a gap in the OG text-time period on the island before the tempest. Additionally, Anne-Marie could be seen to represent a version of Miranda’s story after she leaves Prospero’s care. Each of these elements interweave and adapt the original story of Miranda.
Hag-Seed
concepts that relate to the audience. Adaptation is interesting for a modern reader, as in The Tempest there is no enough depth to characters, whilst in Hag- Seed this depth is added through the use of internal monologue. This may also however detract from the opportunities of other characters to see their side or give depth to the other characters. Maintains core themes and ideas however adaptations give new perspective on things (Caliban and the inmates both being the marginalised characters of society)
Character Analysis
Prospero -overprotective father, obsessive magician -desire for revenge triggers events -forgiveness importance found with Ariel’s help
Miranda -strong bond with father -educated by father
Ariel -does all magical work -listens to Prospero -freed at end -enslaved by Prospero
Caliban -does physical work -tries to betray Prospero -ambiguous future -enslaved by Prospero
Antonio -scheming for power -greedy -never admits fault
Sebastian -falls for allure of power -easily manipulated by Antonio
Alonso -shows true character development
Ferdinand -marriage to Miranda restores natural order
Gonzalo -honest good lord -helped Prospero 12 years earlier -voice of good reason
Stephano and Trinculo -offer comedic relief -relationship with Caliban is used to show insights into Caliban’s life
Tempest and Hagseed - Summary Notes based on Module
Course: advanced english (ENGADV)
University: University of Sydney
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