Rating: 
Summary: i did NOT like this book at all
Review: this book is writen in old english and the concepts are not direct and it is so hard to understand. It is a book that you should have to read when you are older and maybe you shouldn't even have to read it. I do not recommend this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Reconciliation and enchantment
Review: This is one of my favorite of Shakespeare's plays, because it is so whimsical, magical, and funny as well as enlightening, pedagogical, and brilliant. Shakespeare really has put together a feast in language. Each word is like dulcet music! When Miranda marries in the end, and Prospero removes all of his designs of hate and revenge, it makes for a wonderful ending. Highly, highly recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: Shakespeare's 2nd Last Play
Review: This is Shakespeare's 2nd last play. Yet, nothing indicates that he was running out of steam. The images are beautiful. Stephano, Caliban, and Trinculo are memorable as the bumbling conspirators. Miranda and Ferdinand are fine as the two young lovers. Ariel is striking as Prospero's loyal servant. Prospero is a magnificent creation. Not only does he offer several beautiful and memorable passages, but he is well drawn as a character who was unfairly forced into exile. He also makes his prison his paradise. In addition, he is a fine representation of Shakespeare himself: "Knowing I loved my books, he furnished me / From mine own library with volumes that / I prize above my dukedom" (1.2.166-168). His speeches in 4.1 and 5.1 also reflect how Shakespeare himself was contemplating the end of his career. The story itself is very well drawn. Shakespeare grabs our attention with a storm at sea. He offers us a reflection of himself, comical touches, beautiful images, profound passages, beautiful language, young lovers, comical villains, and deep messages. If you like this, be sure to read his final play "Henry VIII."
Rating:
Summary: A disappointing farewell from Shakespeare
Review: Yes, Henry VIII and the Two Noble Kinsmen came later, but this is the last that has been authenticated as completely written by Shakespeare. The Tempest was a bittersweet experience for me. Some parts were just wonderful (the finale, in particular) and then some parts just seemed to be there for no reason. For example, the endless dialogues between Alonso, Antonio, Gonzalo and Sebastian. Trinculo, Stephano and Caliban are some of the funniest characters in Shakespeare, though, and their scenes were the best of the play. The love story between Ferdinand and Miranda was lame. It could be understood how Miranda might fall in love with Ferdinand immediately but Ferdinan marrying her after knowing her for less than a day? Ridiculous... As for Prospero, I didn't like him until the Epilogue of the play. His character seemed too much the doting father rather than the powerful magician he was made out to be. All in all, a little disappointing for the greatest playwright's swan song.
Rating:
Summary: enjoyable comedy out does murder plots
Review: Yes, there is once again murder brewing in the play of Shakespeare but only in a comical way. Not able to claim to be a Shakespeare expert, I have only read four of his other plays. However, it is in my opinion that this be the best one, most likely because it is a comedy and is much lighter that his other plays. This classic play tells the story of the former Duke of Milan who was wrongly dethrowned by his brother. Using his magical power that originally expelled him from Milan, he is able to bring the King (Alonso), Alonso's brother (Sebastian),his own brother (Antonio) and other servants to the his mostly vacant island. Ordering about the spirit Ariel, he manipulates his way into an interesting and funny situation. There is much to gain from reading this wonderful play which is one of Shakespeares last. I recommend this book to Shakespeare lovers and even more so, to variety readers such as myself. You won't be dissapointed by the plays light mood which is much better than Shakespeares serious murder stories.
|
