Pretend for a moment that you are Robinson Crusoe or Tom Hanks from “Cast Away” and you add a cultural feel to it, then you have the latest entry in my “Shakespeare and Neurodiversity” blog series which is “The Tempest.”
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Timothy West as Prospero in “BBC Presents: Shakespeare, the Animated Tales: The Tempest”
When we look at “The Tempest” from a neurodiversity perspective, we are looking at a story where we picture ourselves on an island, but rather than having it be a vacation, we are stranded on an island because we are betrayed by others of a higher authority.
However, we don’t have a killing bone in our bodies and instead of killing our betrayers, we just have a little fun with them. That is one of the aspects that makes “The Tempest” stand out amongst Shakespeare’s works.
The main character, Prospero, is an overthrown Duke who ends up becoming a wizard thanks to some inside help from a courtier, but all he wants is what is best for the survival of not just himself, but his daughter, Miranda. Of course, like all literally works, he does feature some opposition in the form of his own brother, the King of Naples and his own brother.
Again, Prospero is a man of standard and will only use magic to teach them a lesson and get his title of Duke back. Once “The Tempest” ends, he abandons his magic and wizardry and moves on with his life. Prospero is not a man who holds a grudge against anyone and I think people can learn a lesson or two from him.
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Alun Armstrong as Caliban in “BBC Presents: Shakespeare the Animated Series: The Tempest”
If there is one thing that “The Tempest” can teach neurodiverse and special education students is the importance of having standards for yourself. Unlike some of the past entries in this series that I have covered, “The Tempest” has rules that it has to live by in the form of its main character and those who don’t follow the standards is considered an enemy.
Case in point is the monster, Caliban, Prospero’s island slave. Caliban is a creature that does not live by his master’s standards, but his own and he would do anything to defy Prospero, including violating the honor of his own daughter.
I will admit that there have been times that I would have been like Caliban, had it not been for the continuous intervention of outside sources as I grew up. Then again, keep in mind that I wasn’t as self-aware and understanding of self-control up until a few years ago before I founded “Going the Distance.”
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Neurodiverse and Special Education students, like General Education students, need to be taught the importance of standards and “The Tempest” certainly qualifies for it. Yes, Shakespeare is meant to be cultural, but it’s meant to teach and open our eyes through stories like this. If you are a High School or even Junior High School General or Special Education English teacher, then this Shakespeare adaptation is right for you and your students.
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As for film versions, there are only two that stand out:
A) “BBC Shakespeare: The Animated Tales Presents: The Tempest” is an episode that I am very familiar with and identify with the most and it has very notable British actors including Timothy West and Alun Armstrong (Les Miserables: The 10th Anniversary Concert)
B) “The Tempest” (2010) is a more Hollywood adaptation starring Helen Mirren which I find to be unique in the sense that a woman is in the lead role and the name is “Prospera” instead of “Prospero.” If you want to also teach about Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, then check this one out!!
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Catch you all later!!
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