Mother versus FatherWhile the gender change of Prospero (renamed Prospera) in the film adaptation of Shakespeare's The Tempest does not significantly affect the plot , has an effect on the relationships between characters. Julie Taymor's version, Prospera, seems more compassionate while in Shakespeare's version Prospero seems more gruff. Although both Prospero and Prospera are ultimately able to forgive their transgressors, Prospera seems to care more than the other characters. Now that Prospera is Miranda's mother instead of her father, there is more of a bond between the two women than between father and daughter. They seem to feel more comfortable with each other: they hug and touch each other while in the show there is almost no physical contact. When Prospera gives Miranda to Ferdinand, they hold hands, not letting her go until Miranda is too far away to reach her mother. Prospera's maternal nature can also be seen in her interaction with the other figures on the island. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay. Prospero in the book is an imposing figure who treats Ariel and Caliban as servants rather than his children. The film's scenes between Ariel and Caliban make Prospera seem more like a strict mother than a teacher. In the first scene between Prospera and Ariel, Ariel demands his freedom and Prospera scolds him for forgetting that she saved him. Ariel lowers her head and contemptuously murmurs, "No, ma'am," like a wayward son. In the play, Ariel seemed like a submissive creature and responded respectfully to any reproaches from Prospero. Prospera and Ariel also have a much more intimate relationship than in Shakespeare's version of Prospero and Ariel. As with Miranda, Ariel and Prospera have more physical contact. Another mother-son relationship shown in the film is that between Prospera and Caliban. The audience sees Prospera unable to face Caliban when she tells her story: "...you caressed me and valued me...and I loved you and showed you all the qualities of the island..." This gives the 'impression that she feels guilty for enslaving Caliban when she obviously cared for Caliban much more. At the end of the film, when Prospera forgives everyone, including Caliban, they share a scene in which Prospera looks sadly at Caliban as he leaves, who stands in the doorway as if expecting some sort of comment from Prospera like a son wanting approval. The film provides a picture of what Shakespeare's work might have been like, the female version of Prospero provides a different take on the character than the book. Through her interactions and expressions on screen, you will find that Prospera is a much more compassionate individual than Prospero..