The Caste System

RE: The Caste System

Hi Prashna,

I saw that several times, beginning in my early teens; missed it this time. Are you aware that it's Shakespeare's "The Tempest" transposed into sci-fi?

RE: The Caste System

Hi venetian,

Thank you very much for reminding me. That would come in handy. I had heard it before but had forgotten.

I first saw it in India, in 1962 I think. I would have remembered it vividly to this day, even had I not seen it several times since. Fantastic concept, the Krells.

And that brain booster, believe me. It exists and works. I know that from personal experience.

I shall tell you that story another day.

Regards.

Prashna.

RE: The Caste System

Actually, the fact that it's based on 'The Tempest' - roughly - is only something I've read. I've not seen the film in a long, long time, and have never really assessed it myself in terms of the play.

RE: The Caste System

Hi venetian,

But you are a genius. Your chance comment has propelled me into a new direction, prompted me to 'boldly go where no man had gone before'.

I brought down my copy of the complete works, and started reading it, in the original text. And boy, oh boy, is it hard!

I believe that my reading and comprehension ability is well above average. And i got a headache after completing 12 of the 40 pages. Couldn't keep the characters firmly fixed in my vision, had lots of problems. But I WILL finish it today and give you the verdict.

Unfortunately I cannot slash through it at my usual reading speed, which at its peak used to be a page a minute. Most of my engineering classes I spent either in the back rows, reading Agatha Christie, or being expelled from class for doing it! Still, I finished with a first class and was placed about 3rd in a class of 160. So I must have been doing something right!

Early signs are promising. Prospero is Dr Morbius. Miranda is Altaira. And is Commander John Justin Adams. See, I didn't have to even try to remember those Film names. And could have done so BEFORE yesterday. Last gap about 10 years. And I cannot recall Miranda's suitor's name, after reading it only last night. Tough; that Shakespeare style.

The film very roughly follows the play. But there are critical differences.

REgards.

Prashna

RE: The Caste System

So I wonder where the created monster, the subconscious of Morbius as I recall, fits in with the play?

RE: The Caste System

Hi V,

You mean the'id' of Dr. Morbius, as the transient self - renewing monster. I think that would be the Spirits controlled by Prospero.

JJ Adams would be Ferdinand, the son of Alonso, King of Napoli.

Not sure. Havent finished the play, even though it's only 40 pages. Tough going. Was very busy today.

Will report soon.

Regards.

Prashna

RE: The Caste System

Hi venetian, 😉

At last finished 'the tempest'. Loved it. Tough going but worth it. Only 25 pages, took me 3 days of occasional reading. But now I can report.

Ferdinand (Son of Alonso, King of Naples) ---> Commander John Justin Adams
Prospero (Exiled Right Duke of Milan) ----> Dr. Morbius.
Miranda (Solitary daughter of Prospero)-----> Altaira.

Similarities: Desolate Island. Lovely daughter grown up all alone. Father with special powers. Handsome, brave(and with future) suitor for daughter. Ship crashed

Differences: Spirits are benevolent. No one dies. The island and Prospero survives. No explosion.

Critical difference: Spirits are external to Prospero.The id monster wasinternal to Dr. Morbius. Hence destruction was needed.

I can do a summary of 'The tempest'and send it to you in a PM if you wish. In a few days I shall forget the details, i suspect.

Conclusion : Forbidden Planet is better and more significant, though of course the Bard's style is a delight.

Also I think that the Spirits haunting and extremely effective music is a precursor to the Visi-Sonor music in Isaac Asimov's 'Foundation and Empire'. I don't know of course.

Fascinating. Thank you venetian for mentioning 'The Tempest' to me.

Regards.

Prashna

RE: The Caste System

It's a classic film, but I suspect the Bard has much 'over it' in superiority. The author of the plays wrote at several different levels, whoever he was. 😉