Similarities Between The Tempest And Margaret Atwood

An individual's encounters with earlier works assist in forming their understanding of literature. Shakespeare's comedic tragedy "The Tempest" is reimagined in Margaret Atwood's novel "Hag-Seed", It is evident that Atwood incorporated her signature feminist viewpoint. Felix (Hag-seed) and Prospero (The Tempest), the protagonists in both composers' works, explore the theme of revenge, each having distinct incentives for seeking vengeance. "The Tempest," set in the Jacobean Era, women were undermined and power imbalances between the characters drove their desire for revenge, freedom and control. By offering a more contemporary view of the story, Atwood's Hagseed effectively deepens the reader's knowledge of The Tempest.

Shakespeare's The Tempest

Atwood uses Hag-Seed to create a deeper understanding and meaning of Shakespeare’s The Tempest and explore revenge. Atwood believes that The Tempest leaves countless questions unanswered and wrote Hag-seed to challenge colonialist views. Felix is overwhelmed with grief and resentment after losing his job. Similar to Prospero and Caliban, Felix’s losses are the driving force behind his desire for revenge. However, while Prospero's loss of his dukedom was his fault, Felix’s was no fault of his own, as he was betrayed due to Tony and Sal’s yearning for power. "The secrecy, the sabotage. The snake-like subterfuge. The stupendous betrayal" Atwood embeds alliteration and truncated sentences to create a tense atmosphere, forcing the audience to empathise with Felix and assist them in linking Hag-Seed to the Tempest, therefore deepening their understanding of Prospero. Felix’s longing for revenge becomes increasingly obsessive, preventing him from achieving happiness, making him insensitive and unsympathetic. "8Handz - I know they’re assholes and they’re trying to snuff our Players, but this is too sick even for me." Irony is used to develop suspense and intrigue the audience's curiosity or fear. The quote highlights Felix's severe measures and his unforgiving attitude. Atwood skilfully assists the audience in comprehending the storyline, characters and concepts by mirroring elements

Shakespeare’s The Tempest explores revenge through the protagonist, Prospero. The Duke of Milan and a magician were banished to an island, home to Ariel and Caliban, a fairy and a monstrous figure. Prospero is evidently affected by the losses in his life and the isolation that he was subjected to. His grief and destitute lifestyle drive his desire for revenge when his betrayers are in the vicinity. “Prospero - No more amazement. Tell your piteous heart/There’s no harm done.” Dramatic irony is employed to foreshadow the trauma that people aboard the boat experienced, something that Prospero is oblivious to. This is crucial as it illustrates Prospero's power and negligence. His actions throughout the play reveal that he’s self-centred and selfish. However, in the last act, Prospero reflects on the detrimental effects of revenge and comes to the realisation that it is healthier to forgive than to hurt. "Prospero - The rarer action is/In virtue than in vengeance." An oxymoron is embedded while breaking the fourth wall, to encourage the audience to consider the complexities of revenge and forgiveness. This is significant to Prospero's character development as well as the audience's since it assists them in furthering their comprehension of the world, themselves and