The Tempest has been described by critics as very hard to adapt to the screen, which I found hard to believe since I personally enjoyed the 2010 movie version of Shakespeare's play. However, after reading some critiques that questioned the portrayal of this classic, I began to understand the critics.
The switch from the male Prospero, a main character in both the play and movie, to a female Prospera seemed to be the focal point of discussion. The whole attitude and motives of this character seem to change as his gender is switched. As a male originally, Prospero does not come of to readers, or me at least, as caring and looking out for his daughter Miranda's best interest. But the minute Prospero was portrayed as Prospera, I began to think that she is being a caring mother who is being protective of her daughter. I, as well as the critics, see Prospero as a bit more villainous in some regards than Prospera. Maybe that is because of our preconceived ideas about roles of moms and dads? It is interesting how the switch of gender of a main character can change the meaning or perception of a play so drastically! Does the switch from Prospero to Prospera affect you?
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