The air of paradise did fan the house, and angels officed all
The air of paradise did fan the house, and angels officed all
In William Shakespeare's play "The Tempest," the line "The air of paradise did fan the house, and angels officed all" is spoken by Gonzalo, a kind and wise counselor to the King of Naples. This line is a beautiful description of the magical island where the play is set, and it captures the sense of wonder and enchantment that permeates the entire story.The island in "The Tempest" is a place of great beauty and mystery, where the natural world seems to be in perfect harmony with the supernatural. The air is described as being like that of paradise, suggesting a sense of purity and tranquility that is rare in the mortal world. This image of the island being fanned by the air of paradise evokes a sense of peace and serenity, as if the very atmosphere of the place is infused with divine grace.
The idea that angels officed all on the island adds another layer of magic and wonder to the scene. In Christian theology, angels are divine beings who serve as messengers and protectors of humanity. By suggesting that angels are present on the island, Gonzalo is implying that the place is blessed and protected by higher powers. This image of angels officing all reinforces the idea that the island is a place of great spiritual significance, where the boundaries between the mortal world and the divine are blurred.
Overall, this line from "The Tempest" captures the sense of awe and wonder that permeates the play as a whole. The image of the air of paradise fanning the house and angels officing all creates a vivid and enchanting picture of the island where the story takes place. It is a reminder of the power of nature and the supernatural to inspire awe and wonder in those who encounter them, and it sets the stage for the magical events that unfold in the play.