Compassion, Empathy and Forgiveness in The Tempest and Hag-Seed Anonymous 12th Grade

As humanity has evolved, individuals have become increasingly self-interested and insensitive toward others; morals and values within texts are subconsciously adapted to reflect these changes to suit the modern society in which we live. Exposure to texts which reflect these changes encourage the reflection on ourselves and our actions, and what is truly necessary to live a fulfilling life. In conversation with Shakespeare’s play The Tempest, Margaret Atwood’s novel Hag-Seed resonates with and carries through messages of compassion. However, unlike Shakespeare, Atwood writes on empathy and forgiveness through notably negative representations in order to comment on the modern emphasis on ego. Shakespeare’s messages remain incessant through time, yet through adapting themes to suit an increasingly materialistic society, responders are able to intimately understand and reflect on the modern world.

The ideal of compassion is revealed through both traditional and contemporary literature, remaining prevalent through society’s social and cultural changes. The marginalization of key female characters in both Hag-Seed and The Tempest and the feelings of sympathy that result from mistreatment signifies the misogyny that remains in society...