Margaret Atwood's Hag-Seed retells Shakespeare's The Tempest with creativity and wit. Critics praise its clever modern twist, engaging prose, and deep character exploration. Some find the plot's pacing slow and theatrical references dense, but overall, it is lauded as a fascinating and imaginative read.

A reader who would enjoy Margaret Atwood's Hag-Seed is likely a fan of contemporary retellings of classic literature, such as Jean Rhys's Wide Sargasso Sea. They appreciate Shakespearean themes, dark humor, and modern twists on ancient texts. This novel would appeal to those who enjoy intricate character studies and narratives that mesh literary homage with innovative storytelling.

In Margaret Atwood's Hag-Seed, Felix Phillips, a deposed artistic director consumed by grief and vengeance, stages a prison production of Shakespeare's The Tempest to enact his revenge on his betrayers. Through the transformative power of art, Felix and his cast of inmates grapple with themes of loss, betrayal, and the possibility of redemption.

Mysterious / Contemplative / Humorous / Emotional / Bittersweet

- Hag-Seed is part of the Hogarth Shakespeare project, where contemporary authors reimagine Shakespeare's plays; Margaret Atwood chose to retell The Tempest.
- In writing Hag-Seed, Atwood drew upon her extensive knowledge and love of Shakespeare, which she has explored in various essays and lectures throughout her career.
- The title Hag-Seed refers to an insult used in The Tempest to describe Caliban, one of the play's central characters, highlighting the book's deep thematic connections to the original play.

**Felix Phillips/Duke**  
The eccentric artistic director of a Shakespearean festival, who faces personal and professional upheaval and later teaches Shakespeare at a prison. He is central to the novel's unfolding events.

**Miranda**  
An amalgam of characters and symbols, including Felix’s deceased daughter and the role in Felix’s prison adaptation of The Tempest. The actress Anne-Marie embodies the qualities of this character.

**8Handz**  
A prisoner with a talent for special effects who collaborates with Felix’s Shakespearean project. He plays a significant role in realizing the immersive experience within the narrative.

**Tony**  
The antagonist who orchestrates Felix’s downfall, taking over his position and advancing in the political sphere. He serves as a source of conflict in the story.

Margaret Atwood

Adult

Novel

Hogarth Shakespeare project

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read Hag-Seed | SuperSummary

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Overview

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Hag-Seed Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Dark Backward”

Part 1, Prologue-Chapter 9

Hag-Seed Part 1, Prologue-Chapter 9 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “A Brave Kingdom”

Part 2, Chapters 10-19

Hag-Seed Part 2, Chapters 10-19 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “These Our Actors”

Part 3, Chapters 20-29

Hag-Seed Part 3, Chapters 20-29 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Rough Magic”

Part 4, Chapters 30-39

Hag-Seed Part 4, Chapters 30-39 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “This Thing of Darkness”

Part 5, Chapter 40-Epilogue

Hag-Seed Part 5, Chapter 40-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Hag-Seed Character Analysis

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Themes

Hag-Seed Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Hag-Seed Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Hag-Seed Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Hag-Seed Essay Topics

Hag-Seed Teaching Unit

Introduction

Hag-Seed Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

Hag-Seed Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Hag-Seed Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

Hag-Seed Reading Questions Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Hag-Seed Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Activities

Hag-Seed Activities

Essay Questions

Hag-Seed Essay Questions

Exam Questions

Hag-Seed Cumulative Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

Hag-Seed Exam Answer Key

Hag-Seed: William Shakespeare's The Tempest Retold

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Hag-Seed?

Reading Age

Book Details