Laugh Now, Cry Later

The language of The Tempest is hilarious. It reads like a comedy. The characters are ridiculous but the themes being discussed are serious. The fact that no one gets hurt and the make-believe atmosphere of the drama keeps it lighthearted. There really is a fairy tale quality about it with Prospero playing the sorcerer, Ariel his faithful spirit doing his biddings along with the rest of the spirits. Also there are some comical coincidences like Ferdinand falling in love with Miranda at first sight or even the most fantastic coincidence that all the same people responsible for Prospero's exile are traveling by ship and they end up shipwrecked on his island. You almost roll your eyes at the impossibility of the situation but it plays out well.

The play does take on some heavy themes such as revenge, redemption and justice. During Prospero's monologue when he says the rarer action is more virtuous, that is worth some contemplation. These are serious issues being discussed that deserve some debate. Not your typical comedy. The plot is revenge driven but one could argue that Prospero redeems himself by forgiving his enemies and moving on. There are complicated issues as well like the nature vs. nurture argument when it comes to the island creature Caliban. I thought he was too one-dimensional almost like a character actor. It would've been nice to see him develop into someone with more depth. The nature of the argument is too complicated to base it on such a easy character to vilify.

Throughout the play there is a lighthearted tone, whether its the characters interaction with each other or the fantastic events Prospero is conjuring with his magic. The spirits lend the drama a make believe element that makes it fun to read because it makes you think that anything is possible.