The Tempest Essay
The similarities and differences between Aime' Cesaire's ATempest and William Shakespeare's The Tempest gives the reader an idea that it is a political response. From the way that both of the titles of these works of literature differ, an idea of concept is offered. They share a similar story line yet, after some one has read A Tempest : a different perspective is gained. A Tempest is actually considered a post colonial period piece of writing and one can acquire and prove this by the forms in which Aime' Cesaire portrays the characters and switches around their personalities and their traits,the time periods and the acquisition of language, and the ways power is used reveals that it is indeed a political response from a post...show more content...
The visual arts responded to scientific and technological developments with new ideas about the representation of man and his place in the world. The Tempest explores the anxieties that accompanied England's belated foray into a New World already occupied by Spanish plantations to the south and French missionaries to the north, not to mention the native peoples themselves. (David 1665) On the other hand, A Tempest was written in 1969 which was with in the period of African American Civil Rights Movement. It strikes significant the ideals of Malcolm x, the modern english and the way language is used. The reader can identify more with Caliban then in The Tempest. In Shakespeare's play, Ariel is considered a spirit while Caliban is half human, and half beast. On the contrast in Cesaire's version of The Tempest, Ariel is a mulatto slave while Caliban is a black one. The political analysis in Cesaire's A Tempest, is the color standard which is proposed. It is a known fact that lighter slaves were primarily house slaves while darker slaves worked in the fields. It is seen how Ariel is treated nicer, is given lighter jobs and is actually freed at the end. On the other hand, Caliban is physically and verbally abused and is not freed. Cesaire makes it evident that it is a color issue. Cool pose: the dilemmas of black manhood in America states,"Field slaves would be lashed or deprived from foods if they harmed the often pampered house
The Power Of Power In Shakespeare's The Tempest
Naturally, people want to have control over their life and be able to make decisions for themselves. Human greed and pettiness will get the best of people if having control over themselves isn't enough, which leads to people trying to have control over everything else in the world besides themselves. The Tempest by William Shakespeare exploits the negative parts of human nature, making it clear that all people ever want is more than what they have. Antonio wants to have more power in Italy, but even after banishing Prospero, he still wants more. Prospero wants to have power over everything in his life, but even after having control over the island and Ariel, he wants more. The Tempest argues that it is bad for the characters to let their wants consume them because they will never have enough power to be content.
Antonio already has banned Prospero to gain power, but is now willing to do worse because he wants to have control over more. Antonio is power hungry, even at the beginning of the play, when it is revealed that he had his own brother banished so he can have the Dukedom. While explaining how they ended up on the island to Miranda, Prospero says, "...in lieu o' th' premises/Of homage and I know not how much tribute... With all the honors, on my brother; whereon,/A treacherous army levied, one midnight/Fated to th' purpose did Antonio open/The gates of Milan, and i' th' dead of darkness..." (Tempest 1.2.151–154). Prospero explains in this quote how Antonio, his own brother,
The Tempest Imperialism
The play, The Tempest by William Shakespeare, follows the journey of the magical Prospero and his search for revenge on those who had victimized him. Stranded on an island for twelve years with his daughter Miranda and servants Caliban and Ariel, Prospero shipwrecks the men who put him there by conjuring up a terrible and violent storm from which the play gets its name. Prospero watches over the shipwrecked group who were responsible for betraying him, including his brother Antonio, who stole his position of Duke of Milan. The Tempest, written between 1610 and 1611 in the midst of European expansion and colonization of the Americas, is symbolic of the negative repercussions associated with imperialism. William Shakespeare's The Tempest draws an allusion to the age of exploration and critiques the effects of colonial expansion through the main characters, including Prospero and Caliban. The Tempest offers insight into the effects colonial expansion has on both parties because of the symbolic representation of the main characters and their connection to the idea of colonial expansion as well as a setting that is...show more content...
Not only is Caliban himself a symbol of the mistreatment of Native Americans but his name is connected to the stereotype that all native tribes practiced cannibalism. The Tempest may be considered a colonial text because of this and also it raises the question of the occupation of new lands and the cruel mistreatment of the natives there while critiquing colonial projects such as Jamestown that were so widely supported by English colonists (Pettigrew). Ultimately the divide between the relationships of Prospero and Caliban is similar to the divide experienced by colonists and Native Americans during the 17th century. Much of this has to do with the location and the appeal it has by the different
The Tempest Betrayal Essay
William Shakespeare wrote the play The Tempest around 1610 toward the end of his career. The Tempest, a tragicomedy, blends aspects of tragedy and romance together and depicts them in a humorous way. The Tempest takes place on an island with an unspecified location. The play finds Prospero and Miranda, ousted former Duke of Milan and his daughter, living in exile on an island with Caliban, its lone native inhabitant. The unvarying scenario changes when a storm that causes a crew to shipwreck disrupts the way of life on the island. This seemingly natural event allows for many characters to gradually reveal their true motives as the play progresses. The shift from simple causes to complex ordeals marks a contrast to prior Shakespearean plays....show more content...
Exhibition of loyalty could be used as an initiative to gain the trust of others and improve one's situation. The eagerness of Ariel to be free motivates him to act loyally throughout the span of his servitude. Because of this type of reasoning, many characters in the play are loyal only when convenient and advantageous for them. The moment with no favorable outcome signifies the crumbling of one's will to serve. On rare occasions, however, the quality of loyalty is not fabricated and is rather a genuine sign of goodness. Gonzalo's enjoyment of serving others implies that it is part of his selfless character. The simple display of loyalty brings to light the true motives of all characters, which determines the side that they are truly on. The close focus on each character in the adaptation allows for greater understanding of the basis behind the formation of
The Tempest Power Essay
The Tempest, often regarded as Shakespeare's last play, displaces the theme of possession of control and command over other, commonly known as power. Ariel, Caliban and the courtiers from Milan, all demonstrate different levels of control. Prospero, the protagonist of the play, especially displays his ability to cast influence and affect others psychologically. The characters, their relationships and their use of power can be compared to the English government and society of the 17th Century. The play tells a story of Prospero, the Duke of Milan, was overthrown in a power struggle with his brother Antonio and then set adrift upon a raft bound to sink. After surviving the hardship and landing on a deserted island accompanied only by his...show more content...
Prospero runs everything that happens so he can be considered the 'king ' of the island. He is in complete control of what occurs on the island because of his supernatural powers. He has the "airy spirit" of Ariel to work for him and carry out his orders, who shows no animosity towards Prospero 's ruling. However, Ariel's obedience doesn't come without a price. Despite the strict social hierarchy, the nobles who dislike the king can still rebel with the lower class and topple the king. The reason for Ariel's unwavering loyalty is that Prospero has control over him both physically and mentally. Ariel once askes Prospero to set him free: "I prithee, Remember I have done thee worthy service, Told thee no lies, made no mistakings, served Without or grudge or grumbling. Thou did promise To bate me a full year (Act 1 Sc. 2, 294–298)." Prospero responds harshly: "Dost thou forge From what torment I did free thee?," reminding Ariel who was extricated from the witch Sycorax to be grateful. He further pressures Ariel with a series of questionings, shaming Ariel's the lack of gratitude and threatening to tie him back to the tree (Act 1 Sc.2, 315–320). Horrified by the thought of experiencing the same torture, Ariel feels obliged to pay back Prospero's graciousness, forgetting the fact that he has already served faithfully for one year and now
Role Of Magic In The Tempest
TEST 1: THE TEMPEST
1. What is the role of magic in the play? Are there any different kinds? How is it used? Consider the concepts of magic, miracle and magician.
The role of magic in this play, The Tempest by William Shakespeare, is very important and it can be seen even from the beginning of the play who controls it has the power over all the things that happens on the island.
The play opens with the deafening noise of thunder and lightning creating tension and anticipation for what is to come. The magical tempest represents Prospero's power but also his suffering at the hands of his brother. Moreover, the storm besides representing the political and social unrest in Milan, it also represents Prospero's darker side, his vengeance and his...show more content...
Moreover in the play are only two women; the first one is the witch Sycorax, and the second one is Prospero's daughter, Miranda. About Sycorax we know very little and we could say she is a bad influence. However, Miranda, who is only fifteen years old is the opposite of Sycorax. She is loyal and obedient to her father since he is the only family she has. Although during that period women were not independent, they always were under the responsibility of a man; if she was not married her father, brother or relative was in charge of her, and if she was married she was the responsibility of her husband.
Miranda represents good nature, mercy, compassion, generosity. Those attributes are seen in the relationship between Miranda and Caliban when she teaches him how to read and write. Yet in Act 1, Scene 2, Lines 350–361 Miranda's words are surprising and shocking because despite her intentions, Caliban is described as an ungrateful slave. " Abhorrèd slave, Which any print of goodness wilt not take, Being capable of all ill! I pitied thee, Took pains to make thee speak, taught thee each hour One thing or other. When thou didst not, savage, Know thine own meaning..." (Act 1, Scene 2, Lines 356–362) In this excerpt Miranda breaks with her innocence and uses powerful words against Calbian because he wanted to
The Tempest Essay
The Tempest
Act 1 scene 1(the storm): The opening scene of the Tempest I think is brilliant. There is an instant unsuspecting panic, which quickly gains ones attention. Usually in a play there is a build up to a dramatic moment but The Tempest opens with this and the dramatic moment is when there is the inevitability of death. One can see the last instant panic and hear the words of lost hope, and people preparing for the final moment, "give thanks you have lived so long, and make yourself ready in your cabin for the mischance of the hour, if it so hap. Cheerily good hearts out of our way I say". This was said by the boatswain, and it is an example of how Shakespeare used a great climatic...show more content...
Shakespeare's depiction of the situation is most interesting and very well informed, and by all means most entertaining.
Act 2 Scene 1 (murder plot): My second favorite scene is the murder plot. This scene is an example of an insatiable greed causing one to be traitorous in the worst possible way. Though Anthonio is a Duke (of which he is by taking the title from his brother) he still manages to convince Sebastian to kill his own brother, to gain more power and wealth, and Sebastian is easily persuaded. In this scene one can see a plot brewing, one can also see two men, both on the border of vast wealth, and how the simple idea of this causes them to plot a traitorous murder.
The most interesting part is how they come up with the idea. It is when they are deciding on whether the prince is dead, and Anthonio somehow sees a silver lining, "O, out of that no hope, what great hope have you? No hope that way, is another way so high a hope, that even ambition cannot pierce a wink beyond but doubt discovery there." This is a fantastic sentence because when one is in an emotional state, sometimes it causes them to look for a positive, in any way they can. Anthonio does this and causes Sebastian to also.
Both characters seem to be that of a noble and honest type throughout the beginning of
The Role Of Power In The Tempest
The Tempest
The Tempest battles a chaotic environment in an island far away from the societal influence. As the characters struggle to cope with instability, the cycle of power, revenge, and betrayal takes in form. William Shakespeare introduces the value of power and the influence it has in within the society through the shipwreck in Act I. Gonzalo, a noble man, used his power over the Boatswain as he threatened the Boatswain for disrespecting his place: "...good fate, to his hanging! Make the rope of his destiny our cable" (Shakespeare 31–32). As the play unfolds, the readers are exposed to several incidents in which the characters forcefully capture power to satisfy their crave which establishes a chaotic and hatful environment. In The Tempest,...show more content...
Shakespeare builds a chaotic environment with inescapable power battles to ultimately illustrate that it is all useless. Upon Ariel's advice, Prospero gave up on his revenge and forgive the characters who had once betrayed him: "For you, most wicked sir, whom to call brother would even infect my mouth, I do forgive thy rankest fault–all of them" (5.1. 130–132).. Prospero sudden change in emotions and actions breaks the chain of endless hate and evilness. Through the actions of Prospero, Shakespeare states that forgiveness and compromise achieves greater good than revenge and betrayal: "Ay, that I will; and I'll be wise hereafter, and seek for grace" (5.1.
Essay on The Tempest
Explain how Ariel and Caliban serve as character foils for each other. Be sure to consider their physical appearance and their roles as servants to Prospero.
In the world of The Tempest , Ariel, the airy spirit, and Caliban, the earthy monster, can be described as character foils. Unlike and contrasted as they are, they have some traits in common. They both have an aversion to labor and a longing for liberty. Also, they have a primitive sense of humor, a fondness for tricks and pranks, and a spontaneous and unsophisticated love of nature. Furthermore, deeper inside them, one has a fear of a higher power and the other a craving for affection and approbation. Thus, the contrast between them is heightened....show more content...
Yet her compassion, as real as it is, also has a certain element of shallowness, or at least inexperience about it. She has lived the majority of her life in isolation, on an island known with her only companionship being that of her father. Growing up on this deserted island, Miranda learns to live and abide by the example set by Prospero. He is her only contact with the humanity and therefore he is her only friend and teacher. She knows no other woman and therefore had no female figure to aid the process of raising her. She is naïve and unaware of life's experiences, having been shielded from the rest of the world.
Throughout her life, which began at age three on the island, to the time in which she met the only other human contact, Ferdinand, at age fifteen, she learned many things from her father about life and all its complexities. Living on this island, Miranda is a product of " nurture" rather than that of "nature."
The term nurture refers to the upbringing or raising of a child. Miranda's father is her upbringing. He guides her from her early years on the island all the way through her first meeting of human contact. Miranda had to grow up on a deserted island with no other human contact and having to live by and trust only one person's point of view. It is hard for us the
The Tempest Act 1 Essay
The main character's Prospero main objective is to redeem himself and to continue his pursuit of knowledge. The primary conflict is Prospero, the duke of Milan and a powerful magician, was banished from Italy and cast to sea by his usurping brother, Antonio, and Alonso, The king of Naples. Prospero seeks to use his magic to make these lords repent and restore him to his rightful place. The climax is when Alonso and his party stop to rest, and Prospero causes a banquet to be set out before them. Just as they are about to eat, Ariel appears in the shape of a harpy and accuses them of theirs treachery against Prospero. Alonso is overwhelmed with remorse. It resolves itself when Prospero brings Alonso and the others before him and forgives them....show more content...
At the end of Act One, Prospero the only character who is fully revealed. The characters of Antonio and Sebastian have been etched out; and Ariel, Caliban, And Miranda appears, but their interactions with Prospero do more to further Prospero's characterization than their own. In Act 2 of "The Tempest" begins with a speech of Gonzalo. Gonzalo tries to console the king over the loss of his son, and speaking about all the people who share his theme of woe. Although Caliban asserted his natural authority over the island in Act 1, Prospero's usurpation of Caliban's power is negated by Caliban's portrayal as a savage seeking a new master. In Act 3 of "the Tempest" begins with Ferdinand is stripped of the privileges of his rank of by Prospero, who did the same to Caliban by making him a slave as well. In Act 4 of "The Tempest" begins with Prospero tries to dismiss his tyrannical demands of Ferdinand's service as trials of thy love but also makes mention in this first scene that has punished Ferdinand, which implies a need for retribution for a wrongdoing. In Act 5 of "The Tempest" begins with Prospero finally has all under his control; Ariel has apprehended Alonso, Sebastian, and Antonio, and they are all waiting for Prospero's judgement. In the end the play's concern with political legitimacy is resolved by the disinheritance of the usurper, though it is unresolved in the case of
Love And Marriage In Shakespeare's The Tempest
Love and Marriage in The Tempest
William Shakespeare's play The Tempest (1610–11) includes two important themes: love and marriage. Throughout the play, Shakespeare portrays love as a force that brings people together, but also as a thing that people take advantage of. Prospero is the main manipulator of love in this play. By using his daughter Miranda's feelings and having her marry Ferdinand, he manages to strengthen his own political power. Also, most of the instances of love in this play are not examples of true love. The two marriages that either happen or are mentioned in the play are both good examples of the game–like nature of dynastic marriages in the 16th and the 17th centuries. Most dynastic marriages were arranged and the...show more content...
Furthermore, Prospero has no idea of what sort of a person Ferdinand is; for all he knows, Ferdinand could be a psychopathic axe–murderer. However, as Melissa E. Sanchez says in her essay, Miranda did enter the marriage completely willingly, so it is not right to place all the blame on Prospero. Even though it was just what Prospero wanted, Miranda disregarded her father's orders completely and carried on with the relationship. (Sanchez 66)
The love between Ferdinand and Miranda is as superficial as a crush between two 12–year–olds. Sure, it is fierce and feels deep at the time, but true love needs time to blossom. This relationship is purely sexual. Even Alonso questions the deepness of their love by saying: "What is this maid with whom thou wast at play? Your eld 'st acquaintance cannot be three hours".(5.2.183–184) Miranda's reaction upon meeting Ferdinand is just too exaggerated to be deep, true love at first sight: "I might call him a thing divine, for nothing natural I ever saw so noble."(1.2.417–418) She would be stunned by any man she would meet at this point: Miranda has not seen any other men in her life, apart from her father and the savage Caliban. Also, in normal circumstances, two people falling for each other at first sight is highly unlikely, which further proves my point on it being just two people who want to have sex with each other. Moreover, as Miranda is the only woman on the island, Ferdinand might
In William Shakespeare's romantic comedy play, The Tempest, we witness an endless amount of power struggles and scheming amongst characters, all in the hopes of achieving one thing: complete control over the remote island in which they're stranded on. Throughout the play, characters choose their allies, set targets on their enemies, and manipulate situations and one another in an attempt to reach their end goals. Each character that strives to colonize the island has different motives based on their place in the social hierarchy and their relationships to fellow characters. However, each character seeking control over the island not only has their own motives, but also their own vision for what the island could be under their sole jurisdiction. The three main players seeking to colonize the island and make their own vision of what it could be into a reality are Prospero, Caliban, and Gonzalo. Between these three characters we see relationships between the colonizer, the colonized, and one character who envisions the island as an opportunity to create the perfect society. Power and control are prominent themes in Shakespeare's The Tempest, as the audience is faced with severe questions of morality and who has rightful claim of the island.
As the play begins, we learn of the master/servant relationships that are already in place on the island. Prospero is the current all–powerful and omnipotent ruler of the island, who uses strategical social tactics of abuse and manipulation
The Tempest Comparison Essay
The Tempest, a tribute to Shakespeare's life, contained many references his own personal life, as well as exciting elements such as revenge, romance and the use of magic, uncommon during the time period the play was written. After being exiled onto an island with his daughter, Prospero has to deal with his desire for revenge once his enemies are brought to shore by conjuring a tempest. The original play, written by William Shakespeare in 1611, was adapted by Julie Taymor in 2010. With the part of Prospero played by Helen Mirren, a new take on the classic story arose with the introduction of Prospera. The compassion and care for Miranda was more evident with Prospera due to the nature of a feminine and motherly character. Miranda was the most important person in Prospero's life, he loved and protected her throughout the play. When sharing with Miranda the tale of how they came to the island, Prospero tells her, "O, a cherubin, thou wast that did preserve me. Thou didst smile..." (I. ii. 182–183). He states that she made their exile easier by bringing him peace and comfort. The film adaptation captures...show more content...
In both texts there was the everlasting love and security between Prospero, or Prospera, and Miranda. Each character wanted their daughter to be happy and safe. The differences seen between the two texts were distinctly related to the change of gender. Prospera, in general, appeared to be more benevolent and compassionate for Miranda, as well as Ariel. With a more feminine nature, situations were more light hearted and moments held a more intimate value. The outstanding film adaption of Shakespeare's The Tempest provided a new outlook on the classic play. The film allowed the story to be viewed from a different perspective and gave viewers new insight on how a few changes can shift the momentum of a
The Tempest Compare And Contrast
Although I believe the theatrical performance of William Shakespeare's "The Tempest" held to a higher standard, the cinematic version holds its own unique characteristics. In the movie, they offered contrasting theatrical and artistic concepts through cross–gender casting, acting styles, and special effects.
One of the most astonishing differences between the on–stage and movie versions of "The Tempest" was the alteration in the gender of Prospero. In his play, Shakespeare had written the main character Prospero as a man, and under many interpretive directors throughout history, Prospero remained gender specific. In the film, however, Julie Taymor cast the role of Prospero as a woman played by actress Helen Mirren. Contrasting to her theatrical
The Tempest Miranda Essay
Moving on to The Tempest, Miranda's role can be seen as submissive one but as the readers continues to go more in–depth; textual evidence suggests that her role is actually quite the opposite. For many readers Miranda's primary role was to help Prospero by marrying Ferdinand, so that he can get his revenge. When they arrived on the island, Prospero has already started his master plan. Using what he has learned in his library he became "... thy schoolmaster, made thee more profit/ Than other princesses can that have more time/ For vainer hours and tutors not so careful" (Shakespeare, 1.1.172–174). Similar to how Alison was educated to become the "ideal woman," Prospero does the same thing to Miranda because these lessons were all in the effort...show more content...
Just like how the Wife at the beginning of the marriage seduces her husband and then use that to control them. Although the play ends before Miranda's marry life, the readers can easily predicts how she would be treated. If she was to choose to be with Caliban, Miranda doesn't get anything from that. Caliban offers her no stability, no freedom, no wealth and definitely no status. As a women during that period she is extremely vulnerable and why her choosing of Ferdinand is really the best outcome for her. That is how she will survive in a society where women holds a limited amount of power, her ability to survive just like Alison makes her a proto–feminist. From the two literary pieces the "Wife of Bath's Prologue" and The Tempest, the readers learn a different side of how women were able to survive during the middles ages and renaissance. By using their wits, these two female characters were able to create stability for themselves even when social limits their resources. The Wife and Miranda represents the struggles that women had to go through, but they can also act as a role model for those that wants to gain back their basic human
The Tempest Research Paper
A major theme in The Tempest is Colonialism. The definition for colonialism is "the practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically". The Tempest shows colonialism by introducing Prospero as the colonist, by taking over the island as ruler, and Caliban as the native, who inhabits the island. Prospero then uses Caliban as a slave and punishes him. It further shows colonialism when Trinculo and Stephano discover Caliban. Right away they want to know how much money they could make by showing him off, like a circus animal.
The Europeans (colonizers) believed that it was their God given right to be at the top of the social ladder and this links in with the idea of Colonialism in The Tempest. The natives of the island tended to live without a social ladder. They considered themselves equal which was appalling to the colonizers. Prospero thought that he was entitled to act however he wanted; specifically as their betters and he uses this to control and punish Caliban. He believed his actions were justified and the natives were disgusting. This is shown when Caliban attempts to rape...show more content...
Prospero starts out by seizing the island and the inhabitants on the island. He enslaves Caliban and is horrible in his treatment of him. He shows the power of love between his daughter, that is controlling yet parental; an instinct to protect her. The power of his love over his daughter helps him to grow as a father and it allows his daughter the freedom she deserves in the choices she makes. The power over Caliban teaches him to be less self– involved and that he does still want to help Caliban after all. Prospero's desire for power is shown throughout the play and it seems as if it allows his character to develop and
Slavery and Freedom in William Shakespeare's "The Tempest"
The subtly comedic interactions and juxtapositions between masters and slaves in William Shakespeare's "The Tempest" generate a question which has been the source of much controversy throughout history: are the hierarchical classifications "slave" and "free" reflections of a person's fundamental nature, or are they social constructions based on bias and self–interest which have nothing to do with absolute truth? This question is crucial because the way that we answer it has the potential to either justify or condemn the widespread practice of enslaving certain individuals. A close look at Shakespeare's portrayal of masters and slaves in this play suggests that although those...show more content...
In the course of their scheming, Caliban advises Stephano and Trinculo to "Remember/ First to possess his books; for without them/ He's but a sot, as I am; nor Hath one spirit to command: They all do hate him/ As rootedly as I" (3.2: 95–99). Caliban is claiming that Prospero's power over him is not due to fundamentally superior intellectual capacity, but rather to privileged circumstances which have allowed him to acquire his books on sorcery. The fact that Caliban is under Prospero's powers would logically give him first–hand information regarding these powers, and because honesty about this information could potentially further his goal of overthrowing Prospero while dishonesty could undermine it, he has no motivation to lie in this instance. For these reasons it seems logical to trust Caliban's evaluation of Prospero here. This evaluation supports the argument that "slave" and "free" are separate social classifications rather than separate natures, since one's circumstances are a product of chance and the framework of the social system one was born into rather than fundamental nature.
Earlier in this scene we see that Prospero and Caliban also share very similar motivations. Caliban's motivations are exposed when he is imploring Stephano to join him in his plot against Prospero: "I say by sorcery he got this isle; / From me he got it. If thy greatness will/
The Tempest Essay
The Tempest
The Tempest is a play that has a theme of nature and civilization. It has a strong theme that deals with issues of colonizer and the colonized. While to many people this play may simply be just a play, it really has a story of what happens when nature and civilization collide. The character Caliban represents a being of pure nature. The character Prospero is civilization. These characters can also be seen as the colonized and the colonizer. The relationship they have is very complex and is a constant struggle, much like any relationship between a colonizer and colonized. It questions what is pure nature? Is it savage and monster like, as Caliban is? In this paper I will examine the relationship between Caliban...show more content...
Before Prospero and Miranda came to the island an evil witch, Sycorax, ruled it. She ruled the island with evil magic and terror. When Prospero arrives to the island he frees a delicate spirit from a pine tree. Sycorax had put a spell on the spirit to forever be in the tree. When Prospero uses his magic to free the spirit, Ariel, the spirit becomes forever in debt to Prospero. Ariel becomes Prospero's helper and friend. Prospero also enslaves Caliban, a half monster born of Sycorax. Prospero teaches Caliban how to speak and treats him kindly despite the fact that he is a "monster". Caliban falls from grace though when he attempts to rape Miranda. Life on the island consists of these characters, until the ship of the royal party, including Prospero's brother Antonio arrives. The royal party's boat is hit by a storm, which is all the doing of Prospero's magic. He brings them to the island to confront them and perhaps redeem them. This play primarily focuses on the interaction between the characters, and what happens when each is put on trial and faces their own guilt and sin. But there are so many complex issues in this play, one of which is the relationship between Caliban the monster slave and Prospero the enlightened civilized man. The first example of the tone in the relationship between Caliban and Prospero can be seen through their names. Caliban, as we know is an uncivilized "half monster" born
The Tempest Chaos
People always complain about how their life is so chaotic, but they don't give it time to come to order. In "The Tempest", William Shakespeare uses his final play to show that chaos can come to order in a matter of time. The play starts out and island after a shipwreck that Prospero tells Ariel to make. Later on in the play the people that were on the ship finds out Prospero is responsible for the storm. After the shipwreck they are all scattered around the Island. Caliban Trinculo, and Stephano think it's only five people on the island. At the end of the play they all come together and Prospero gives up all of his powers. In "The Tempest", different settings, such as the shipwreck and the island, show where all the chaos happened and how
Shakespeare is one of the greatest artists the human race has ever produced. In the Tempest, he decides to determine which is more powerful – art or nature? He symbolizes art through civilization and nature through man and his natural place on Earth. Through the plot, Shakespeare reveals his own beliefs concerning which force is greater. The Tempest shows the respectable differences between art and nature, but eventually concedes that art is weaker and must bend itself to nature.
In The Tempest, Shakespeare's Prospero has gotten himself into trouble by entertaining an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Prospero's downfall was brought about because he valued knowledge and art over pure power. Through Prospero, Shakespeare...show more content...
This act causes the boat to stray off its course and allow Prospero to pursue his goals. By beginning the play with an act of nature, Shakespeare makes a subtle affirmation of the strength of nature. Furthermore, Prospero's dependency upon Ariel to execute his artful commands demonstrates that art's will is dependent upon nature's execution. Ariel represents the "fluid elements of water and air and also those bodiless energies of nature that strike us as 'spiritual'" (Intro to Tempest, xxv). Although Prospero is the mastermind of the events, without Ariel his wishes cannot be actualized. Thus Ariel is also a force of nature upon which art is dependent.
Nature is also represented in The Tempest through the character of Caliban. Caliban is a unique creation, one upon which nurture is lost. Caliban is a savage being, incapable of reason or any of the developed and refined characteristics which art represents. He is in essence the polar opposite of the refined Prospero. Caliban's name itself may be an anagram for cannibal, a term used commonly for the savage population of the New World. It is clear that Caliban has no sense of virtue, not only because he is not completely human due to the union that brought about his existence, but also because he has not been affected by art. A closer examination shows Shakespeare points out that although nature is the