Does It Matter That It Was Shakespeare's The Tempest?

I cannot begin to explain how thoroughly I enjoyed the film, Shakespeare Behind Bars. The amount of topics that I could ruminate about are unparalleled to any of the weeks’ readings this semester. In trying to stay within the realm of discussing literature as a focal point, I ask you to consider this: Does it matter that they’re studying Shakespeare? And, if so, how or why does his work, The Tempest, play such a crucial in the reception and reaction by the inmates?

I began asking myself if these men would be able to achieve the same purpose, and levels of self discovery, had they been using any other plays by any other authors. Was it Shakespeare that was guiding their breakthroughs? Was it the specific plot line of The Tempest that held such a deep connection for these men? It’s hard to say that Shakespeare's words united these men in the healing they were seeking.

Perhaps it’s the escape from reality becoming enthralled in a role provides. Instead of focusing on getting through one day, just to repeat the same motions again the next, these men are able to occupy their thoughts with the lives of the characters they emulate. I realize all of the men express how their participation in the play causes them to relate with, and reflect on, experiences from their own life; however, I believe that this deep self-reflection is the inevitable result of their condition as prisoners. This is not to say that certain themes and motifs present in The Tempest do not trigger specific emotions in these damned men. I just think it wise to put into perspective the mental and emotion state irregardless of delving into the words and stories Shakespeare provides.

I should disclaimer the fact that I have not read The Tempest, and therefore cannot wholly dismiss the possibility that this particular play has a profound connection and unique impact on these men. My suggestion is that it may not be Shakespeare’s words, or The Tempest’s characters and plot lines, that are serving these men in such an incredible and profound way. I believe that it is the opportunity to escape their lives. To, if even for a brief moment, believe that they are actually the characters they are portraying, and to, if only momentarily, feel the thoughts they are reciting as if they were constructed by their own words.

One of the men had said that to be redeemed is the single greatest thing in the world. To be redeemed for what he’d done is all he’s wanted during his time in prison. Playing the roles of any character serves as a chance to feel redemption. When they take on the role of the characters, they are no longer themselves, and therefore they are no longer the individuals that have actions for which they long to be redeemed from.

I also think that being left alone with your thoughts in such a mentally and emotionally battering situation can cause an individual to think of themselves, their experiences, and their lives in a sort of heightened ego-centric way. Their days are mostly spent thinking about who they are, what they believe, what they feel, how they got there, how they’ve grown, etc. This constant focus on critical self-analysis, and understanding themselves compared to the world, could reasonably affect their interpretation, reaction and utilization of studying a play and it’s characters. From this notion, it should be no great surprise that each of the men found a way to relate to The Tempest. I do not think it should be automatically accepted and assumed that the significance of the men’s experience was majorly due to the content or context of Shakespeare’s The Tempest.