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Chapter 40
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Hag-Seed, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Theater and The Tempest
Vengeance
Imprisonment and Marginalization
Transformation and Change
Grief
Summary
Analysis
Clearly anxious, 8Handz stands to present Ariel’s report, acknowledging his other team mates. At the beginning of the class everyone liked to think of Ariel as an alien from outer space, but the team has changed their mind—just as Ariel changes Prospero’s mind and coaxes him from “revenge to forgiveness.” Ariel is not an alien but a holographic projection—thus, he can move quickly, become invisible, and be in separate places simultaneously.
With his sensitivity towards the politicians, 8Handz helps Felix move towards forgiveness, just as Ariel does for Prospero. Interestingly, the ghostly Miranda has spurred Felix towards forgiveness as well, showing how she’s able to take on Ariel’s role as well as the filial and obedient position she’s always occupied.
Themes
In the team’s narrative, Ariel isn’t controlled by Prospero; rather he’s a holographic projection of “weather systems,” which is how he has so much control over the weather. After Prospero releases him from his service, he “flies off to tackle climate change,” because he wants to work on a project where he can be useful but not have to obey someone else all the time. Felix nods approvingly, telling them the story is very inventive.
In a way, Ariel’s projected future reflects the prisoners’ wishful thinking—they all want to live useful lives while being free of subjugation. By encouraging them to imagine new lives for the characters, Felix actually gives them a space to articulate their own desires, and assures them that their wishes are valid.
Themes
