Synopsis
The Tempest
Published by Pelican Series
The 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