Tempest and Geisha

Question 1

Thesis:

Answer 1

Essentially restate the question including some reference to adversity and survival as the catalyst of discovery and discoveries of ourselves (persona), others and the world in which we live.

Shakespeare’s Tragi-comedy The Tempest and Golden’s fictional memoir Memoirs of a Geisha

Question 2

Linker 1:

Answer 2

Relate the question to how adversity leads to discovery.

• In Tempest it changes perspectives on others
• In Geisha it changes perceptions of self (character, personality)

Question 3

Tempest 1:

Answer 3

In The Tempest, adversity is displayed by the physical exile from Milan to an unknown island, echoing the ideals of the Jacobian context, an era of sea voyage and discovery of new places.

“cry to the sea that roar’d to us” - personification of the sea, a common motif that reflects the emotion of the protagonist.
Representation of past tragedies
“(In) my false brother (awakened an evil nature)” discovery antonio shouldn’t have been trusted with dukedom/trauma of betrayal

“Alack, a pity!” Miranda shows newfound respect for the bravery and knowledge of Prospero / pain of remembrance

Question 4

Geisha 1:

Answer 4

Discovery that adversity is the force that shapes character and encourages inner-strength.

Set throughout twentieth century Japan, contextual elements of war and recovery are integrated into the fictional memoir as personal and collective experiences of the Japanese people. / When orphaned and sold as a child, Sayuri is forced to discover her ability to adapt and survive when faced with adversity in twentieth century Japan.

Simile, “Adversity is like a strong wind … Tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn so that afterwards we see ourselves as we really are” show the reflective discovery of the emotional strength that has been hidden, and the reconsidering of her persona as strong and independent as she loses her childhood innocence. / show the beautiful result of equality in wealth after the adversity of war, and the unexpected revealing of character.

“we get through adversity only by imagining what the world might be like if our dreams should ever come true”, showing that despite the adversity of war, the strength of character allows for unpredicted, beautiful results of appreciation and faith. / shows the importance of discovering the ability to cope and flourish in times of adversity.

Question 5

Linker 2:

Answer 5

Result of discovery is a change in values or beliefs

Question 6

Tempest 2:

Answer 6

Shakespeare explores this change in value and personal traits through Prospero’s character arc and his meta-theatrical story-telling.

Originally seeking revenge, “Hell is empty and all the devils are here!” to show a character overwhelmed by hatred and anger.

Miranda becomes more aware and demonstrates the hopeful, loving nature that Prospero has lacked, hyperbolically “How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world”

“I do forgive thy rankest fault” to Antonio

This emotional self-discovery of the importance of forgiveness and love finalises his meta-theatrical narration “the story of my life” and, through breaking the fourth wall, “Let your indulgence set me free”.
OR AT THE START:
transformation of character from vengeful to forgiving, as he realises the value of peace within self. Shown through the meta-theatrical narration, “the story of my life”, a gradual desire for peace and freedom is thought to reflect Shakespeare’s own retire, addressing the audience directly through the broken fourth wall, “Let your indulgence set me free”.

Question 7

Geisha 2:

Answer 7

Memoirs of a Geisha shows the continual connection/rediscovery with the value of her childhood, family and hope

The memoir form allows for a reflective tone, “I wasn’t born and raised to be a Kyoto Geisha” and a meta-theatrical narration, “That is where my story begins”. This allows for the personal, emotional discovery of what is most valued to be conveyed as a reflective practise. / gradually comes to understand that their poverty was overwhelming, leaving no choice but selling Sayuri, showing her respect and forgiveness through repetition

“my mother always said” or “never forget them” show the acknowledged value of these fundamentals to persona, and the constantly rediscovered value as it is changed by each stage of life.

For example, when faced with war and poverty, Sayuri’s maintained hope is expressed in a tone that lacks self-pity, “we would live through the ordeal of defeat” and shows the discovery that it is the individual’s fundamental values that govern our ability to endure and find strength. / Her hopeful, persevering attitude is used to reflect the personal and collective struggles of Japan in its wartime context

Question 8

Legacy

Answer 8

The realisation that it is the result of human life that gives it value can only be attained through (question).

Prospero’s character arc is widely guided by Miranda, and her relationship with Ferdinand, who together demonstrate the fundamental strengths of leadership, such as appreciation, trust, forgiveness and strength.

specifically its performance at James 1’s daughter’s wedding in 1613. This occasion marks the continuation of the Stuart lineage and King James’ achievements.

This discovery is demonstrated in the chess scene, in which the metaphorical conversation between Miranda and Ferdinand show their mutual support and ability to lead Milan, “For a score of kingdoms you should wrangle and I would call it fair play”.

This reflects the seventeenth century role of the woman; unconditional support or her husband as a ruler.

Legacy important in life not the revenge achieved throughout its course.

This scene, viewed by Prospero, shows his achievement in teaching Miranda the importance of good leadership, which could only have been made possible by their own exile and his opportunity to personally teach