When watching a Shakespeare play a person usually goes to be exposed to some classic entertainment. The genius of Shakespeare is that he taps into the deepest elements of human personality and describes the forces of Nature that determine human actions over centuries.
The Tempest gathers force much as a storm at sea develops and then humans that happen to be in the path of the storm are entwined in the drama. In this drama the internal storms within in the lives of persons are displayed. The literary creation of spirit forces enables characters to control and be controlled as part of the story line.
In reading The Tempest aloud in the evening on a patio I was given the opportunity to become immersed in this drama. Little did I realize that The Tempest is being played out for multitudes of people who know the drama of Memory Loss, especially Alzheimer's Syndrome. That includes me and our family.
The forces of Nature encompass us since we are Natural Creatures. Perhaps we are spiritual beings but it is clear that Nature determines the limits and glories of us people. Memory Loss is itself a Tempest. People die. Limits are placed on the lives of family and friends who accompany the one who is being swept away.
Shakespeare creates characters with names and personalities. We try but usually fail to name the process of Memory Loss as it encompasses our life experience. The drama of the frustration and violence that accompanies the experience is beyond our controls. There is no entertainment involved with Memory Loss. Attempts are made to put a happy face on this malady but such efforts are doomed to failure. Religion promises some ultimate hopes but is of precious little assistance in the here and now.
At this stage of dealing with the aftermath of Joan's experience and death I am awed by the forces of Nature that do control what happens. Optimism over human powers of fixing the problem is soon diluted in the acids of daily survival.
When reading The Tempest keep the framework of Memory Loss in mind and do your own interpretation of what rises to the surface.
Delton
The Tempest gathers force much as a storm at sea develops and then humans that happen to be in the path of the storm are entwined in the drama. In this drama the internal storms within in the lives of persons are displayed. The literary creation of spirit forces enables characters to control and be controlled as part of the story line.
In reading The Tempest aloud in the evening on a patio I was given the opportunity to become immersed in this drama. Little did I realize that The Tempest is being played out for multitudes of people who know the drama of Memory Loss, especially Alzheimer's Syndrome. That includes me and our family.
The forces of Nature encompass us since we are Natural Creatures. Perhaps we are spiritual beings but it is clear that Nature determines the limits and glories of us people. Memory Loss is itself a Tempest. People die. Limits are placed on the lives of family and friends who accompany the one who is being swept away.
Shakespeare creates characters with names and personalities. We try but usually fail to name the process of Memory Loss as it encompasses our life experience. The drama of the frustration and violence that accompanies the experience is beyond our controls. There is no entertainment involved with Memory Loss. Attempts are made to put a happy face on this malady but such efforts are doomed to failure. Religion promises some ultimate hopes but is of precious little assistance in the here and now.
At this stage of dealing with the aftermath of Joan's experience and death I am awed by the forces of Nature that do control what happens. Optimism over human powers of fixing the problem is soon diluted in the acids of daily survival.
When reading The Tempest keep the framework of Memory Loss in mind and do your own interpretation of what rises to the surface.
Delton
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