William Shakespeare -- writer, actor, director -- comes out to the edge of the stage for his final appearance, to beg a gracious farewell and bon voyage from his audience.
I thought of Shakespeare immediately when I saw that this week's word was "charm." He uses it so often and so well, both in the good sense we now associate it with and the more nefarious sense of its magical roots. I think of Macbeth's "charmed life" and of course Prospero's charms, both here and elsewhere in the Tempest. I also find it interesting that--based on my recollection, at least, though I may be wrong--Shakespeare tends to be pretty consistent with his usage of it in each play. I can't recall any instance in Macbeth, for example, in which the word "charm" is used to refer to something delightful; it's always something to do with magic or evil. But in more comic plays (Taming of the Shrew, Merry Wives of Windsor, etc.) we see "charm" used more often in the modern sense. The use of the word corresponds quite well with the mood of each play. Just another indicator of how meticulous Shakespeare was with his craftsmanship!
I thought of Shakespeare immediately when I saw that this week's word was "charm." He uses it so often and so well, both in the good sense we now associate it with and the more nefarious sense of its magical roots. I think of Macbeth's "charmed life" and of course Prospero's charms, both here and elsewhere in the Tempest. I also find it interesting that--based on my recollection, at least, though I may be wrong--Shakespeare tends to be pretty consistent with his usage of it in each play. I can't recall any instance in Macbeth, for example, in which the word "charm" is used to refer to something delightful; it's always something to do with magic or evil. But in more comic plays (Taming of the Shrew, Merry Wives of Windsor, etc.) we see "charm" used more often in the modern sense. The use of the word corresponds quite well with the mood of each play. Just another indicator of how meticulous Shakespeare was with his craftsmanship!
He was a true genius. With the greats, not a word appears by chance -- as we often remind our students!
"...my ending is despair
Unless I be relieved by prayer,
Which pardons so that it assaults
Mercy itself and frees all faults..."
A perfect way to ask others for their prayers. Please consider this my ask!
Lord, hear us!
have loved The Tempest since first exposed to it about 40 y/a. Still smitten with Miranda. "O Wonder" indeed.