Paper #2
ENGL 201 Spring 2006
The Tempest

Write a 4 page paper (typed and double spaced) on portrayals of Prospero in film adaptations of Shakespeare's The Tempest.  The paper is due by Friday, March 24th.  Since we won’t meet that day, you should put a print copy of your paper in my box in the English Department main office on the 4th floor of Robinson Hall A--or email it to me as a Word attachment with your name and class section in the subject heading of the email--by 5pm.

Pick a scene from the play where Prospero is a prominent figure and analyze the text in detail, developing your view of how it should be interpreted and performed.  Then analyze corresponding scenes from at least two of the versions of the play we have seen, showing how they either fit with your interpretation or diverge from it.  To check information on the films, go to:  http://imdb.com.  The films we have watched selections from in class (see the syllabus for the DVD chapters) include the following : 

• The Tempest (1992; dir. Stanislav Sokolov; 26 min)  A collaboration between Russian animators and the Royal Shakespeare Company.  From Shakespeare: The Animated Films released by Ambrose Video in 2004
• The Tempest (1980; dir John Gorrie with Michael Hordern, Pippa Guard, David Dixon, and Warren Clarke; 150 min).  We have called this the BBC version in class.  It is part of The Dramatic Works of Shakespeare produced by the BBC and Time-Life Films
• The Tempest (1979; dir. Derek Jarman with Heathcote Williams, Toyah Willcox, Karl Johnson, and Jack Birkett; 95 min)
• Prospero's Books (1991; dir. Peter Greenaway with John Gielgud; 124 min)
• The Tempest (1908; dir. Percy Stow with ; cast unknown; 12 min).  A British production from 1908 now available on DVD in the collection Silent Shakespeare.
• Forbidden Planet (1956; dir. Fred Wilcox with Leslie Nielsen, Walter Pidgeon, and Anne Francis; 98 min)

 Remember that when you analyze specific moments in the play provide some context for your discussion (i.e., briefly  talk about what comes before and after, who the characters are).  Then quote and analyze passages from the scene, putting the Act, scene and line numbers in parentheses after your reference (I, ii, ll. 3-6).  And just as you did with the text of the play, make sure you include lots of relevant details as you develop and support your view of the film or performance.  Include a works cited page, using the format you learned in Engl 101 last semester.  Include the exact title and date of the films and performances you analyze.  I will bring copies of the films to class so you can review the scenes you are writing about.