The Tempest: Act I, scene ii (Vacation Homework)

Compare the two versions of scene two and comment below with your thoughts.

SCENE 2

Then, watch this explanatory video and also comment on one thing this video helped you to see/learn about the text:

14 thoughts on “The Tempest: Act I, scene ii (Vacation Homework)

  1. As I watched the two different versions of Act I Scene 2 of The Tempest, it stood out to me that these two interpretations, though completely opposite, were both logical and possible as Shakespeare does not give any indication for the tone of the characters.
    In the first play, Ariel is portrayed as a submissive servant facing Prospero, his exasperated master. The ambiance is comical and the emotions of the characters are exaggerated to emphasize the amusing aspect of the argument. Here Prospero plays the role of a bitter, angry master who thinks of Ariel as spoiled and too demanding. The stage is heavily lighted to be coherent with the fact that it is around two o’clock, as Prospero states «At least two glasses». In a corner of the stage, we can see Miranda sleeping and not being awaken by her screaming father, which can either mean that she is supposed to be in another room or that she is in the middle of a deep an innocent sleep (maybe to insist on her vulnerability and her need for the protection of her father).

    On the other hand, the second interpretation is more focused on the magical dimension of the play. Ariel is pictured as equal to Prospero, almost dominating the situation as he is flying above his own master while talking to him. The only light present on the stage is green, which is an interesting choice as it is usually used pejoratively, representing dirtiness or sometimes swamps. What is also interesting in this scenery is that Ariel is himself a light, painted in phosphorescent blue, to show how Prospero needs him just like he needs light. Prospero seems quite admiring as well, though he still keeps this bitter image that we also find in the first interpretation.

    Finally, watching the third video, I found it very useful that the actors first showed what it would look like if Ariel was resentful, then if he was submissive, and finally at the actual show if he was equal to Prospero. What I learned from their analysis was that Prospero’s accusation of Ariel being “moody” might be wrong, as we don’t know if he is indeed defiant or if he is just regularly checking if he can still count on the contract that they made. In that case, Prospero would actually be the one who is resentful in the play, which can be explained by the fact that he is seemingly improvising every next move throughout the play, though he spent twelve years on the island and had plenty of time to think about his plan.

  2. Both versions of the Act One scene two of the Tempest, illustrates the diversity of interpretations in Shakespeare’s plays. This two versions of the scene are opposite but still is possible because there is no clues of the the tone of the scene in the play.
    In the first video, the scene is interpreted as a comic exaggeration of the character’s emotions and feelings. For both characters, Prospero and Ariel, the playwright exaggerate their emotions so the amusing aspect is increased as the tension between the two grow. In this version, Ariel is submitted to Prospero, he is all under Prospero’s control and try to submit his voluntary without hurting him. In this scene Ariel is a weak creature, because even if he have super-natural power he is under estimated by the simple idea of being a slave. In this scene the atmosphere is amusing to the audience, and through the all scene Miranda is sleeping on the side which show that even the argument of the two characters does’t disturb her sleep, which show her all innocence.
    In the second video, the atmosphere is completely different, the staging is, besides, more elaborated than in the first video. In this version, in plus of the actors the technological aspect is increasing the power of Ariel which is shown as a powerful creature which isn’t afraid to tell Prospero that he want his freedom. In plus the scene is darker than the first one, this accentuate the magical effect of the scene and Ariel. In this scene the argument is not comic but strong and Prospero is the one In weakness. It is shown by the repetion of “it isn’t finish” that he says with fear and cautiousness.
    This two videos proves that the same scene can be interpreted differently and provokes differents emotions due to controversal staging. This idea is developed in the third video, where the actors illustrate it by interpreting the scene in both ways. In this interview they recall that in both scene the mains subject are evoked but because no directions tells the tone of the scene, every person can have his own interpretation of the scene.

  3. The videos about the Act 1 Scene 2 of the Tempest shows two different ways of interpreting the work of Shakespeare: either a dramatic and suspenseful play or just a comedy. These two videos show how the play of Shakespeare can be interpreted in a different manner depending on the audience. It makes us realize that the fact that Shakespeare didn’t precise the way the actors are behaving and how the scene are constructed give the audience a kind of freedom that allow them to imagine the scene the way they want.
    In the first version, the play takes a comical turn as Prospero uses a sarcastic tone and more exaggerated gesture to talk to Ariel. In this scene, Prospero is represented as a rude and wicked man. He clearly shows how superior he is to Ariel by shouting at him and not even letting him finish his sentences. This scene represent Prospero as a man who freed Ariel not by compassion but by interest. Indeed, as Ariel asked about his freedom, Prospero blew the thought away by remembering him how he delivered him and this with a rude tone. On top of that, this video clearly represent the “Master and Slave”. Ariel is controlled by Prospero and this is seen by his way of addressing him: he is submissive but also scared as he falters and talks with an hesitant voice. The colors, present in this scene are warm, mostly red, which create a more relaxed atmosphere but also represent the behavior of Prospero. In addition to that, we can see Miranda lying on the floor in a deep sleep. Seeing Miranda in this position also shows the attitude of Prospero who is someone that doesn’t care about anyone but himself.
    The second version can be considered as the opposite of the first video. Indeed the scene 2 in this video is more represented as a dramatic and suspenseful scene. This atmosphere is amplified with the colors which, unlike the first one, are darker and composed of black and also with the background music which creates the suspense. The events are shown in the air as Ariel recount his exploits. Ariel here is represented as a specter with so much power as he can fly and represent things. Ariel seems much more happier in this video than in the first: He jumps, spins, and walk in the air just like a free man. In this version, Ariel is represented superior to Prospero with his magic and capacity to fly. He is mostly positioned in the air which forces Prospero to look up to him. Unlike the other version, Prospero looks amazed by the power of Ariel and kind of know how powerful he is and this is seen through the way he speaks to him. He sound more respectful in this version than in the other one and listens to every single thing said by Ariel with amazement.
    The third video made me realize that there is a power struggle and that the power fluctuates in the play between Prospero and Ariel. They are kind of equal in a way but they don’t realize it. Ariel is more powerful than Prospero with his magic but however the latter is more subservient and is doing his best to accomplish all the task given by Prospero. The last video made me realize that even if Ariel is a spirit, he has a human side which allows him to be grateful toward Prospero from freeing him. This gratefulness is seen through his speech as he doesn’t come to Prospero and state all what he has done. This would have made him less human and would have been in the same stage as Prospero as he less human. This video also thought me that Prospero likes to have the power and control over Ariel. He plays with power.

  4. In Shakespeare’s play, The Tempest, the playwrite keeps the tone and idea of how the play should she presented very ambiguous. Why? So that every actor, audience sees or interprets his work in a different way. This is shown through the two videos above.

    In the first video, the actors interpret Shakespeare’s work as something of humour. The actors in this play create a tension through their jokes, through their figure of speech. They use the whole stage to show the power they hold. Prospero is seen as a disrespectful, agressive man, who walk around the whole stage as if he owned it. Whereas Ariel is represented as a stuck up, slightly timid man who tries to get his way with Prospero. The way Ariel acts and speaks gives the idea that he is meant to be immature, which brings him to embarass himself and make the audience laugh. So this video shows that The Tempest can be seen as something humorous and funny.

    However, in the second video, The Tempest is interpreted as something very serious and almost scary. This play uses lighting and music to create tension and fear in the audience. Ariel is two things, an actor on stage hiding in the shadows, and a projection on the walls and ceilings, dancing and jumping illustrating how he brought the boat on fire. Prospero is simply a man with a walking stick that could also help him control magic. The scene is set in a very serious tone. There are two main things that seperate these two plays/videos. The first is one of humour and Prospero having all the power and control, whereas in the second one, the play is serious and Ariel looks like the most powerful one out of both of the characters.

    Finally, there is one last vedio and this one illustrates perfectly how the play is ambiguous and an be interpreted in so many ways. In the vedio they explain the scene and who is what and what they must do. Prospero has the power over Ariel, and Ariel does his biding but that’s it. No one knows what their relationship is, who’s more powerful, or what they are feeling. This shows the Shakespeare’s play, The Tempest, can be interpreted in so many ways. The characters can feel so many different feelings and act in different ways.

  5. After watching both videos of Act 1 Scene 2 of the Tempest by Shakespeare we instantly notice how different the scenes was represented in each video. Indeed this illustrates the very versatileness of Shakespeare plays which, not being detailed enough, can be shown in different ways. Thus a theater producer could easily adapt the play to its audience and its times, keeping it in way modern and entertaining despite its age. Furthermore what’s also interesting to notice is how different the characters attitudes were toward each other, depending on the video. This also shows that Shakespeare’s plays are most times so undetailed that even the characters attitude could be diversified.
    First of all, in the first video, the audience is given a very open image of the “master and servant” relationship happening between Prospero and Ariel. Indeed, Prospero is here seen as a vicious and ruthless character who expresses himself by screaming and yelling at Ariel and who downgrades the magic creature by mocking him, making fun of him, and making him recall bad memories. Ariel, on the other hand, is seen as a submissive character, who can hardly pronounce a full sentence before getting interrupted by Prospero, who speaks in a very weak and unsure voice, and who has a hard time, looking at his master in the eyes when he speaks. The characters personality trait is also represented through their costumes. Prospero who’s a vicious and manipulative character is dressed is dirty black and white clothes, while Ariel who’s more vulnerable in this situation is in a more colorful costume. In addition the stage seems to be built in a way that almost every scene can be played within the same decor. And finally what’s very interesting to notice is Miranda who’s laid to rest in the corner of the stage after being put asleep by her father.
    On the other hand, the second video has a more modern touch to it as Ariel is represented by a hologram flying and talking around a dark and starry background, which really captures the magical and supernatural trait the character has. Prospero seems less vicious her, as opposed to the last video, as he speaks in a calmer voice while Ariel talks in a more confident voice than the other video. In addition Ariel is seen flying around the stage, adding to this idea of Prospero represented on the same power scale as Ariel. The use of color such as green and blue also adds to this idea of magic and power.
    What’s also interesting to note is the difference in costume seen between the two videos, in this video Prospero is seen holding a stick as opposed to the other video. This is perhaps used to illustrate this idea that Prospero is of old age, and thus wise and powerful. Finally we notice that Miranda is not represented in this video as opposed to the other video, showing that she’s not a very important factor to this precise scene.
    Finally the last video lets us understand that Shakespeare gives very little information on the act and how the characters act, letting us understand that the scenes can be represented in different ways. Indeed, on one hand Ariel can be shown as a moody character while on the other hand he can be seen as a lenient character. In addition they let us know that there is a “power struggle and that the power fluctuates between Ariel and Prospero”. Indeed despite the fact that Ariel is a generally more powerful character he is still follows Prospero’s rules as he has a more human side to him unlike the latter.

  6. The first thing that strikes me upon watching these two videos is how diametrically opposed they are. One of them seems extremely dramatized and the second one almost too simple.
    The royal Shakespeare company’s version is much more centered on visuals. This creates a huge contrast between Ariel who seems all powerful and magic and Prospero who has to rely on a cane to stand up. This is surprising due to the fact that it is clearly established that Prospero is Ariel’s master. It can be understood as a decision to ridicule Prospero’s refusal to free Ariel. The darkness of the light as well as the visual that are used in this rendition reflects the importance of the scene, as well as how dangerous the magic that the characters use.
    The other version is much less dramatic. The simplicity of the Globe theater’s version which focuses on the actors’ play gives a sense of equality between the two characters, reinforcing the humour of the text through the way the actors utilise the space. The lightness of the stage creates a sense that this is an unimportant scene even though it reveals the intricate relationship between the servant and master.
    The explanatory video gives insight on how versatile this scene is. The vision that viewers will have of these two characters throughout the play will shift depending on the dynamic that the director decides to create in this scene.

  7. The first two videos of Act 1 Scene 2 are very different. The first one, which I liked more, portrays Ariel as clumsy and unintentionally funny and Prospero as a manipulating and contemptuous character; the hierarchy between the characters is clearly established. I feel like the video is a good representation of the scene interpreted with humorous undertones and a simplistic setting, which focused more on the actors’ play. The second video, on the other hand, was much more dramatic and focused on the staging. It felt like the authority of the characters was ambiguous as Ariel displayed some kind of greatness whereas Prospero was performed like an old man who did not look like the master of the spirit. Ariel was understandably a spirit, the lighting and illusion of him flying and dancing while painting the picture of his deeds, established that. The magical aspect of the play is visually highlighted.
    The interview in third and final video was very helpful. The actors themselves discussed the versatility of the play and how the relationship between Ariel and Prospero can be interpreted in various ways, depending on the director’s perception of it. Whether the relationship is one of a master and his servant, or one where the characters are equal; if Ariel is defiant and resentful of Prospero, or if he is just impatient and careful concerning his liberty and to no longer be beholden.

  8. We can observe two extracts portraying the Second Scene of the First Act of the Tempest by Shakespeare. The two representations are extremely different by their scenery but as well by the way the actors choose to impersonate their character. Just through observing multiples representations, it allows us to acknowledge how little informations Shakespeare gives us, leaving the actors and directions choose their own tone for their play. This short amount of information concedes to each portrayal a unique touch of individuality despite the fact that the Tempest has been interpreted numerous times.

    
In the first extract, the direction uses a bright and traditional scenery. We can also perceive Miranda sleeping in the back which is not awakened by the loud argument occurring between her father and his servant, Ariel. The argument is exaggerated on numerous aspects making it comical and almost ridiculous. Prospero’s actor, for instance, resorts to intense facial expression as he says « before the time ? » as if Ariel’s words were a blaspheme. As well, even though Ariel is an extremely powerful spirits endowed of supernatural powers, he is constantly interrupted by Prospero and is unable to finish a sentence. In addition, he does not even dare to look his master in the eyes despite the fact that Prospero appearance establishes how much weaker he seems to be compared to the spirit. Through aggressive explanation, Prospero highlights his hero complex as he pretends they are on equal footing when in truth he only diminishes Ariel’s feeling and presents it to the public as ridiculous and childish. The comical and ludicrous aspect of the interpretation is carried through the scene by the character’s tone, behavior, facial expression completed by the scenery.

    On the other hand, in the second extract, a radical change is immediately discernable if it is compared to the first one. The scenery has a much bigger influence on the mood of the representation. Indeed, the use of technology strengthens the magical aspect of the Tempest and reminds us that Ariel is no human but a powerful spirit able to control the force of nature as he wishes. This is a quite important contrast with the first extract where Ariel endowed of feelings is weak next to his master and completely diminished. There, the less human Ariel is represented by a magnificent hologram flying around the stage. As he surrounds Prospero, we acknowledge that the ‘master’ holding his cane is the one at his mercy as he seems more miserable and weak than ever. The balance of power in this master/servant relationship seems to be completely upside down as the less credule Ariel repeats ‘it isn’t finish’. This demonstrates that here, the servant is the one controlling their discussion, he is the one in power here and not his master like it would have been logically believed. Furthermore, the darker colors highlights the dramatic portrayal of this scene where we can observe a defiant Ariel disrupting the structure of power.

    The explanatory video allowed me to see further in the complex portrayal of the relationship servant/master. Indeed, if one is not patronizing the other, then it is the magical elements of the play that act as the decisive motor of their relationship. The different use of power, either in a psychological angle like the one Prospero used or in a physical angle with Ariel supernatural powers, illustrates a fluctuation of power as well as the servant’s humanity. If he is responsive to the psychological influence his master uses upon him, he immediately appears more human but on the contrary if Ariel’s behavior is only dictated by his natural power, he seems less human and more supernatural. Thus, it makes it hard to determined the profound nature of the two relationship and the balance of power within it.

  9. In the first two videos we can find two different ways the scene 2 Act 1 can be performed. The first one is comical while the second one makes dramatical accentuations and magical approaches. In The Tempest’s dialogues the tone employed by the characters during a scene is not specified, therefore these are only two interpretations of other ways to perform this scene. Shakespeare probably did not specify the tone to let the player explore the different emotions and situations the character is subject to, and thus allow a better understanding of the nature of the scene.

    The first version is a comical representation of the relationship between master and servant, in this case Prospero as the master and Ariel as the servant. The stage’s form, warm colors, bright illumination, and medium size suggest more informal performances, thus more comical and relaxing displays. Both characters exaggerate their tones to create an entertaining comedy. Prospero uses a sarcastic tone and hyperbolized gesture to show himself as merciless and fierce, and Ariel is subservient and anxious to show his inferiority before his master. During the dialogue Prospero is rude and even insults Ariel designating him as “moody”. We can say that their interactions remark a non amical relationship but a master and servant one.

    In the other version there is a clearer representation of a game of power. Ariel, who is narrating how he perfectly accomplished his task with his magical powers, is located over Prospero who is supposed to be his master. In addition, Prospero uses a cane to stand, this accentuates the fact that actually Ariel is probably as powerful as Prospero who also has magical powers, and that they are even both less human and more equal. Perhaps what makes Ariel inferior is the fact that he signed a contract which would make him become a servant and subjugate to Prospero’s will until he finishes his tasks. The stage is dark but with colors such as green, red and blue which remark the existence of magic and the power of nature. Both characters employ a firm tone which create a balance of power between them. Ariel shows an incredible self confidence and proud, and there is no anxious nor nervous tone which could show any sign of weakness or inferiority. Prospero is always shown serene even before Ariel’s great performance of his toil, which shows Prospero’s indifference towards Ariel’s incredible power, which suggests the fact that he does not feel insecure about his own magical powers and probably he naturally feels superior to Ariel.

    The Third video gives a detailed analysis of the scene 2 Act 1 of the play. It reveals the fact that both Prospero an Ariel have a struggle to see who has more power and authority through
    their dialogues. In the video two different versions of the scene are explored and even Prospero’s and Ariel’s probable points of view. The first version is the one where Ariel is shown as defiant. Ariel made a great job creating the Tempest and perfectly preforming every single task that was demanded, and he clearly feels proud about it. Therefore when Prospero tells him there is more “toil” to do and even insults him with “moody”, Ariel becomes enraged and indignant by Prospero who has not kept his word. In this case Ariel is the one who takes the power when he reclaims his “liberty”. Ariel uses a louder tone and strong accentuations, while Prospero remains mostly silent and with a low voice. In the second version, Ariel is clearly only a servant, weak and with low self confidence. In this case Ariel also shows indignation but without firmness and Prospero shows himself as exigent, firm and even ruthless. Ariel feels indebted to Prospero who saved him but also feels intimidated by Prospero’s immense power. The video in general shows the fact that Prospero’s ferocious attitude, half lies and his magical powers make him less human. The same goes for Ariel, he is not human, he has incredible magical powers, and he is seemingly emotionless because of his emphasis on what it is exactly written on the contract. This shows that they are more similar than they appear to be, less human and more equal.

  10. Shakespeare in his play, The Tempest, did not give much information to the stage director, thus allowing him to organize the scene more or less freely and to give to each characters different personalities. This fact allowed these two quite different interpretations of the Act 1 scene 2 to exists and both are valuable.
    After watching these two versions I was not able to prefer one to another. Both were really interesting, and the choices stages directors did were excellent. The different elements of the play they decided to make stand out show how diverse the interpretations can be. Consequently, they also showed that creativity, especially the RSC one (Royal Shakespeare Company), is inseparable from the stage director’s work.
    In the first video, from Globe on screen, the stage director composed without any other elements than his actors. No music and no projections are used to complete the play. Moreover, the ton used in this interpretation by Prospero when he addresses to Ariel shows the superiority he thinks he has on his servant. On the other hand, Ariel seems submitted to his master. When he asks once again (Prospero has to recount how his servant was saved by him every month, so Ariel would feel indebted) Prospero about his release, the spectator could only see his despair. Another element which makes the submission of Ariel is that Prospero is the only one who screams of anger. The master is upset because obliged to remember the reason of the enslavement whereas Ariel, the slave, stays calm although frustrated to be deprived of his liberty.
    While In the other version of The Tempest, this time made by the RSC, Ariel and Prospero seem to nurture much different relationship. Indeed, the disposition of the scene and the use of accessories tend to demonstrate Ariel’s powerfulness. Prospero is also impacted by the stage director. Thanks to the hologram, sound effects and projections of the ship’s wrecking, Ariel seems powerful and to be feared. Furthermore, the size of the projections as well as the height they were placed (making Ariel fly) reinforce the impression of strength. Meanwhile, Prospero has to look upwards, is stuck to the ground and he relies completely on Ariel. Accessories also help to make Prospero look weak: the cane Prospero completely relies on could also prove that Prospero is not strong enough to support himself anymore. It can be said that the difference of strength, in appearance, between the two characters makes stand out a vastly different relationship between them than in the first version. In addition to that, the ton used shows how detached Ariel is, he simply executed his master’s orders. In the other hand, Prospero seems more reliant on Ariel than in the first version and worried when listening to Ariel’s story of the shipwreck. Thus, making him powerless in comparison to Ariel.
    Finally, the last video shows us how different the interpretations can be, and this is allowed because Shakespeare did not specify precisely how the play should be played. The phrase one of the actors said confirms it: “I think that’s very clear that there’s a power struggle and that the power fluctuates” it means that even the actors have an interpretation of the play and Shakespeare did not prevent that. The different tonalities used in this video show how the relationship between the two characters can be drastically changed. Whether Ariel is resentful, submissive, or equal to Prospero changes everything! The two actors of the RSC demonstrate it perfectly. At the end of the video, Prospero and Ariel have the same discussion than in the first video but in the version the RSC (with the hologram now replaced with an actor). While Ariel was more submissive in the first video, the extract we get to see in the third one (of the same scene but from a different company) shows a more resentful Ariel.

  11. Watching both versions of the play, shows Shakespeare left to actors, a kind of freedom of playing. For example, in the first version, we can see that Ariel is played by an actor, with makeup on and his dressed up, whereas, in the second version, Ariel is represented by an projection, not with an actor. The projection and the idealistic representation of Ariel shows and reinforces the magical aspect of Ariel, as he has magical powers. He also represented as he flies, making a link to the fact that he is the one who created the tempest. Perhaps it is also a way to modernise the play, using new technologies. Even though I think it’s a brilliant idea, I like the human side of the first version, as to me, plays must be played by actors, as it’s not an easy job, I like to see good actors on the scene.

  12. In the first play, we can see that the actors use a more humorous tone to show the relationship between the two characters. This gives a different perspective as it seems that Prospero and Ariel consider themselves as equals, unlike how we have interpreted there relationship via the book. We can see how there body language shows that Ariel is not only asking for his freedom, but almost demanding it, and Prospero almost seems to be fleeing as he is leaning downward, in a almost submissive manner. We are given the impression that in this scene, Ariel is the one with the upper hand, we could almost say that by Prospero’s body language, he fears Ariel.
    In the second extract, we can see a very similar thing, as Ariel comes on stage and tells Prospero how he sunk the ship, Prospero acts terrified by Ariels power, he fears that he had killed all the men on that ship. As Ariel explains how he used is incredible power to burn and break the ship, he is put in a position of superiority over Prospero. We can hear in Ariels voice that he is proud of what he had done, and in Prosperos, we can hear the fear and anxiousness.

  13. The first extract shows more of a comic situation; in fact, the contrast between both characters is hilarious. One can easily sense a difference of dictions: Prospero’s actor swiftly declaims his text with an aggressive and irritated tone in his voice whereas Ariel’s seems slightly reserved until he claims his liberty back and come back to a proper behavior according to his status of slave after Prospero’s anger bursts out. The first one seems ready to insult his (insignificant) opponent and remarkably insists on some precise parts of his sentences (e.g. “Moo-dy ?”) The use of rhetorical questions in his lines “Hast thou forgotten?” repeated several times and answers given by himself “Yes, thou hast”, ignoring Ariel’s actor responses only reinforces the humorous aspect of this interpretation of the scene. It is supposed to be a dialogue, however the conversation is flooded by Prospero’s interventions which nearly turns it into a monologue and makes him look like a fool talking to himself at some point during the scene. His interjections “O, was she so?” and the way they are underlined by short pauses, sighs, exaggerated hand gestures are transforming the character in some living hyperbole, with vivid facial expressions and changes in posture. Ariel’s actor, on the other hand, mostly uses hesitations, thrown glances everywhere but at his master’s face and tries to avoid confrontation and the fact that is constantly interrupted creates a game of back and forth interactions.

    On the other hand, the second extract sets an atmosphere completely opposed; the rhythm is measured and most importantly, Ariel’s representation thoroughly diverges from the previous one. What I sincerely enjoyed was the music accompanying acting in the background. If Ariel seemed like a submissive slave in the first extract, all the magnificence and grace of the character is put forward in this representation. The visual effects, lights and projections are truly great and set a mysterious tone to the action. Ariel plays here an important role, as he is a mystical creature delivering a message with his magic and also warning Prospero. The diction employed could call fairytales to mind, and a common point shared by both representations is exaggeration and insistence on some particular words (e.g. “I flamed amazement”; “I burned”). Prospero’s interpretation happens to make him more eager to know about Ariel’s speech, as he treats the latter with respect and doesn’t interrupt him even though their status is obviously similar to the first extract.

    The third video really helped with the context and was explaining about the characters and their objectives step by step. It also presented another perspective and analysis of the scene, which I am convinced is useful as we never come to same conclusions when we expose our point of view on some work and discuss about it. I personally think the way Ariel was played as defiant and servant was interesting, as there are infinite ways to play a character and not a single “right one”. The explanation of jokes and some lines did help me to have a better understanding of the scene as I sometimes lose the sense of the lines declaimed when I focus more on the way it is interpreted (which actually brings general atmosphere of the moment).

  14. Those videos show two different interpretations of Act I scene II of The Tempest by Shakespeare. Shakespeare doesn’t give precise details on how the play should be acted, therefore there can be many different interpretations. These videos show two of them, both are very different, if we didn’t know the play we could think they are completely different characters, Ariel from the first video and Ariel from the second video sound like two very different characters, their auras, their personalities, their confidence are not the same, they are nearly complete opposites. In the first video Ariel seem like a servant, being yelled at by Prospero, his master, It seems like Ariel is enduring the anger of his master. While on the other video it seems like Ariel is a mystical creature flying around, he seems powerful, more powerful than his supposedly master, Prospero here is the weaker one, having to listen to Ariel as if he could not speak back. Which make the tone and ambiance different too, while the first video has a comic and humorous tone with a lot of light, the other video is darker, more intense, suspenseful and mysterious.

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