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Tempest

(New Penguin Shakespeare)

By Anne Barton, T. J. B. Spencer, William Shakespeare

(10)

| Paperback | 9780140707137

Book Description

The most poetic and magical of Shakespeare's comedies, this play contrasts lyrical fantasy surrounding the spirit Ariel and the savage Calaban, with a tale of political intrigue focused around Prospero, the banished Duke of Milan, now a wizard living on a remote island. Books in this new, illustrateContinue

The most poetic and magical of Shakespeare's comedies, this play contrasts lyrical fantasy surrounding the spirit Ariel and the savage Calaban, with a tale of political intrigue focused around Prospero, the banished Duke of Milan, now a wizard living on a remote island. Books in this new, illustrated series present complete texts of Shakespeare's plays. However, the lines are set up so students can see the bard's original poetic phrases printed side-by-side and line-by-line with a modern "translation" on the facing page. Starting in the late 1580s and for several decades that followed, Shakespeare's plays were popular entertainment for London's theatergoers. His Globe Theatre was the equivalent of a Broadway theater in today's New York. The plays have endured, but over the course of 400+ years, the English language has changed in many ways—which is why today's students often find Shakespeare's idiom difficult to comprehend. Simply Shakespeare offers an excellent solution to their problem. Introducing each play is a general essay covering Shakespeare's life and times. At the beginning of each of the five acts in every play, a two-page spread describes what is about to take place. The story's background is explained, followed by brief descriptions of key people who will appear in the act, details students should watch for as the story unfolds, discussion of the play's historical context, how the play was staged in Shakespeare's day, and explanation of puns and plays on words that occur in characters' dialogues. Identifying icons preceding each of these study points are printed in a second color, then are located again as cross-references in the play's original text. For instance, where words spoken by a person in the play offer insights into his or another character's personality, the "Characters" icon will appear as a cross-reference in both the introductory spread and the play proper. Following each act, a closing spread presents questions and discussion points for use as teachers' aids. Guided by the inspiring format of this fine new series, both teachers and students will come to understand and appreciate the genius of Shakespeare as never before.

3 Reviews

  • High School

    This was another one of Shakespeare's plays that I read just because I felt like it. I was a junior in high school. This is my second favorite of all the plays I've read by Shakespeare.

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    ― Ifonearth said on Jan 31, 2009 about the Mass Market Paperback edition | Add your feedback

  • There are a variety of commentaries available on Shakespeare's plays--the Penguin Critical Series, I believe, is among the best. A good introduction to The Tempest for anyone interested in learning more about the sources of the drama, the social context in which it was performed, the relationship of ... (continue)

    There are a variety of commentaries available on Shakespeare's plays--the Penguin Critical Series, I believe, is among the best. A good introduction to The Tempest for anyone interested in learning more about the sources of the drama, the social context in which it was performed, the relationship of this play with Shakespeare's other plays, as well as an intelligent summary of views concerning the signficance of the play as well as that of the various characters who appear in it. An excellent resource for anyone interested in learning more about The Tempest and better understanding it.

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    ― Greg Hyde, S.J. said on Aug 24, 2007 | Add your feedback

  • With a new interest in wizards as a result of the Harry Potter craze, it is interesting to go back to Prospero as a model wizard-- at least in the English-speaking world. Although some critics find him an ambiguous figure, he seems on the whole benign. How might the figure of Prospero shape our expe ... (continue)

    With a new interest in wizards as a result of the Harry Potter craze, it is interesting to go back to Prospero as a model wizard-- at least in the English-speaking world. Although some critics find him an ambiguous figure, he seems on the whole benign. How might the figure of Prospero shape our expectations concerning other benign wizards, such as Professor Dumbledore?

    Is this helpful?

    ― Greg Hyde, S.J. said on Aug 2, 2007 | Add your feedback

Book Details

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Prices Change currency & sellers

ISBN Edition List Sale Seller
9780140707137 Paperback $5.95 -- Amazon US
£6.99 -- Amazon UK
$8.99 -- Amazon CA
¥758.00 -- Amazon JP
€4.72 -- Amazon FR
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