【明報專訊】It's April! You must be excited about the upcoming Easter holiday. Easter reminds us of forgiveness.

Did you know that April is also the month in which the literary giant William Shakespeare was born? Shakespeare was a 16th century English playwright and poet who wrote many plays based on folklore and historical events. People especially love his vivid ways of describing human emotions. Let's begin April with reading the great master's work on forgiveness!

A magical fantasy, The Tempest (《暴風雨》) tells a story of betrayal and forgiveness. Prospero, former Duke of Milan, sinks a ship from Italy with his magical power and brings the nobles on board onto a remote island where he and his daughter, Miranda, have dwelt in anonymity (匿名狀態) for twelve years. Betrayed by his brother Antonio and Alonso, King of Naples, who took his dukedom, Prospero plots a marriage between Miranda and Ferdinand, Alonso's son and Prince of Naples, as a plan to restore his nobility.

Having lived on the island for twelve years with his supernatural power, Prospero is virtually the ruler of the island, protector of his daughter and commander of magical spirits. On the other hand, curious travellers and evil usurpers (篡位者) disturb the tranquility (安寧) of the island. When the long-lost enemies cross paths again, Prospero is determined to revenge on the traitors with sorcery (巫術); but the power of love Miranda and Ferdinand demonstrate teaches him forgiveness and frees him from hatred.

■English highway﹕former

The adjective "former" is used when someone is no longer holding a certain office, title or status.

e.g. Mr Chow, a former headmaster of our school, was among the guests invited to our graduation ceremony.

■(The Smarties will take a break during Easter. Check out Vol 184 of Smarties' Power English on 26 April 2017!)

[Smarties' Power English Vol 183]