Prospero's Costume
One of the recurring images in the novel is the animal pelt that Felix uses as part of Prospero's costume. For Felix, the pelt represents both his unsatisfied revenge -- he was never able to perform his version of The Tempest -- and the power of the theater, as he believes the stage transforms the old, ratty pelt into something extravagant and majestic.
Miranda Playing Chess
The imagined event of Felix's daughter, Miranda, playing chess in the shanty is significant because its repetition suggests just how unwilling Felix is to move on from Miranda's passing. He has essentially frozen her in time, in a specific setting, and he returns to it frequently as a means of comfort.
The Shanty
Atwood gives a lot of attention to describing Felix's shack -- it is run-down, with no heat, and Felix must go outside to use the bathroom. Felix eats a single hard-boiled egg every morning at his small table, and there is little room in the house for anything but the essentials. This imagery helps emphasize just how isolated Felix is, both from his past and from the rest of the world.
Ariel's Costume
Felix gives a lot of thought to Ariel's costume, which features a metallic suit and a blue swim cap. The image of Ariel as an alien is significant because it foregrounds the inmates' interpretation of his character and also displays how Felix has altered The Tempest for a contemporary audience.
