Tempest critics Flashcards
Brett (2006) - on Miranda
Miranda is “forced to judge her own womanhood according to the values that Prospero imposes on her”
Brett (2006) - on Sycorax
Sycorax “represents an unconventional woman who threatens the stability of a patriarchal society”
What is the meaning of Miranda’s name?
‘wonder’
Grindlay (2016) - on the identities of absent women
“Their identities are forged by the language the male characters use to describe them”
Grindlay (2016) - on Claribel’s sorrow
“The sorrow of her situation is only used as a way to reflect the courtiers’ own sorrow”
Which classical poet was Shakespeare greatly influenced by? How is this reflected in the play?
Ovid
Ovid’s witch Medea –> Prospero’s speech renouncing magic
–> parallel w/ Sycorax (both can “control the moon”)
Brunner (2011) - on the Romances
“The Romances, presided over by Divine Providence, give their mistaken protagonist a second chance”
Brunner (2011) - on Prospero and Miranda (supposed death)
“Prospero [and] Miranda…are only dead in the minds of those who wronged them”
In what was the Tempest originally grouped as a comedy?
1st Folio edition of Shakespeare’s plays (1623)
Harbage (1969) - on the Romances
“All contain elements of the supernatural or mystical, and something resembling a resurrection”
Hebron (2011) - on Prospero and evil/purity
“Prospero is possessed by a desire for impossible purity in the world, and incapable of seeing that evil is a normal part of human affairs”
What was good magic referred to as in renaissance times?
theurgy
What was bad magic referred to as in renaissance times?
goetia
Riches (2006) - on Prospero’s transformation
“Prosper becomes the redeemer and teacher he failed to be earlier”
Ledingham (2009) - on Caliban’s language
“Caliban’s violent language…can be interpreted as an imitation of his master’s lurid threats”
