Is Prospero a magnanimous ruler or an oppressive coloniser?
AMDG JOSHUA GRAY - 14TH JUNE 2004. IS PROSPERO A MAGNANIMOUS RULER OR AN OPPRESSIVE COLONISER? At first glance Prospero seems like a well intentioned magician, a serene old man who only wanted to restore harmony and achieve reconciliation. But when you look closer into his character you see something else there, a character who is harsh and impatient, demanding and ambiguous, power hungry and deeply troubled. However, there is also a noble, kind and divine side to him. Ariel knows Prospero well and is one of the main characters and so has an advantage over the other characters about what he knows. Ariel calls prospero: ".....My noble master" However, Ariel has good reason to call him this. Prospero treats Ariel very well compared to Caliban often calling him names like "bird, "chick" and"...mine free spirit"....Ariel is under Prospero's control because he set him free from a tree which Sycorax imprisoned him for 12 years because he did not obey her commands. Although prospero is a much better master than Sycorax The fact still remains that he is still master and through out the play Ariel longs for "my liberty" but when he asks for it back Prospero becomes angry and threatens him with twelve more years. He has been extremely unjust and unfair against Ariel's wishes and has not realized this. However, Prospero might feel that he has good reason for keeping Aerial in
"Prospero is a self-centred magician who demonstrates some of the worst qualities" Do you agree with this statement? How should his character be portrayed on stage?
"Prospero is a self-centred magician who demonstrates some of the worst qualities" Do you agree with this statement? How should his character be portrayed on stage? "The Tempest" was one of Shakespeare's last plays and unlike the earlier ones didn't really fit into any certain genre, instead it had elements of all the themes within it: Also a lot of his plays had sad endings, take "Romeo and Juliet" a very romantic play that had a tragic ending but this changed when he was writing his last plays and so they had happier endings which contained an element of forgiveness and new beginnings. "Let your indulgence set me free." It is set in the Mediterranean and has connections with Italy like many of Shakespeare's plays such as "The Merchant Of Venice" and "Romeo and Juliet". The statement appears to be rather harsh as it seems certain aspects of Prospero's personality and character, as well as some of the qualities he possesses which become apparent later on in the play haven't been taken into consideration. "I do forgive, unnatural though thou art." He possess some very good qualities as is shown later on in the play, one of these qualities is his ability to forgive, as he manages to forgive most of the people who transgressed against him. However the statement isn't completely incorrect since at times Prospero is portrayed as very self-centred, calculating, threatening
Original Writing - The Dad I thought I knew.
Original Writing - Short Story The Dad I thought I knew School had finished early for the long awaited six-week break. It had felt like an eternity, but it was all worth the while; mum and dad had come to collect me. Dad called me over to his new five-door saloon, which he only wanted to bring so he could show-off. As I walked towards him, the sun reflected off the front windscreen blinding my view temporarily. He greeted me, "Hey, my little soldier." Dad always called me this, not that I minded. Florida was a boisterous town full of excitement for everyone. Dad always took me to town for our father/son day out, or wherever we suited. He played baseball with me, took me to school, the park and gave me everything I had ever wanted. He never laid a finger on me, and we loved each other dearly. But today was a preparation for something special. Tomorrow was my tenth birthday. Dad argued that tomorrow would be a big milestone for me, as I would be 'moving into double figures'. We spread out decorations all over the ceilings and walls of our brightly painted home. I couldn't sleep a wink that night; hearing mum and dad wrapping up my presents and the build-up of excitement within of waiting for a near birthday contributed to this. But at sunrise, dad came into my room to give me a prevalent hug. The day was off to an enjoyable commencement. Dad went out to buy some extra bits
How far do you agree that The Tempest is a play about the use and abuse of power?
How far do you agree that The Tempest is a play about the use and abuse of power? The Tempest uses a variety of symbols and motifs to create the allusion of power upholding a hierarchical society. The play as a whole uses the idea of having one character controlling the fate of all other characters: other supporting characters also contribute in sustaining the theme of power successfully whom I will talk about further on. I am going to consider how Shakespeare uses his central character to promote the idea of misusing power as a means to ending injustice, and how this character develops relationships with other characters to demonstrate this. Firstly I will look at how not only characters depict this theme but how structurally and literary ideas used by Shakespeare can reveal the illusive nature behind political power. The opening scene alone creates the setting in which all abuse of power is derived. This scene Act 1, Scene 1, opens with a howling storm ("The Tempest") tossing a noticeably smaller, powerless boat, threatening to kill the characters before the play had even begun. Referring back to the idea of masters and servants, this is instantly shown throughout Act 1, Scene 1, with social division emerging. The characters on the boat are divided into noblemen, professionals and servants. The danger of the tempest upsets the social dynamic and thus this is where we see
Discuss the presentation and significance of Caliban in 'The Tempest'
Discuss the presentation and significance of Caliban in The Tempest Caliban is a significant character throughout 'The Tempest' contributing to the themes and dramatic effects, such as slavery, power, nature and colonialism. Caliban has many influences on the other characters in the play as well as contributing to the way Caliban and the other characters in the play are perceived by the reader/audience. The use of language also affects how Caliban is perceived by the audience. Many of Caliban's actions add a variety of themes to The Tempest, and the way Caliban is portrayed can also be related to historical context during Shakespeare's time. Caliban is introduced to the audience as a slave to Prospero the protagonist "Thou poisonous slave, got by the devil himself... come forth" (Act 1, Scene 2, L320) Thus immediately the audience is presented with an image of Caliban as being an evil slave. Prospero's introduction tells us much about Caliban from the very start. The reader will question why Caliban is a slave to Prospero and why is he using such aggressive language against Caliban. The audience will also feel slight sympathy for Caliban from the way Prospero is treating him even at such an early stage in the play. As the play develops it becomes clear that Caliban wasn't originally a slave to Prospero. Prospero only made Caliban his slave as punishment for his attempted
An exploration of the treatment of the theme of government by Shakespeare in the Tempest.
AN EXPLORATION OF SHAKESPEARE'S TREATMENT OF THE THEME OF GOVERNMENT IN THE TEMPEST. BY ABUBAKAR A ABUBAKAR. In order to fully explore the treatment of the theme of government by Shakespeare in this play, one cannot escape the question: what is government? In response, government can be defined as the process of administration and management of a political unit. Reviewing the narrative context of the play, we understand Prospero to be a duke that was overthrown and exiled from his dukedom by his treacherous brother, Antonio, with the support of the King of Naples, Alonso. Prospero is presented as a very powerful figure that was once a duke but also lost the dukedom because of his decision to increase his knowledge. He innocently entrusted his brother with the task of running state affairs, without the thought of any betrayal or treachery as it happened. Antonio having mastered the art of governance and deeply engulfed with power he decided to overthrow Prospero. PROSPERO: Twelve year since, Miranda, twelve year since, Thy father was the Duke of Milan and A prince of power. PROSPERO: Now the conditions, This King of Naples, being an enemy To me inveterate, hearkens my brother's suit, ............... The play begins with a storm at sea, the Tempest that was caused by Prospero. In this scene, Act I, Scene I, we notice the conversation that ensued between the noble men
How does Shakespeare ensure that the theme of usurpation and its consequences runs throughout The Tempest?
How does Shakespeare ensure that the theme of usurpation and its consequences runs throughout The Tempest? The Tempest is a late romance, which is a mixture of comedy and tragedy and during the play Shakespeare puts across his Church of England views on usurpation. Before we discuss how Shakespeare ensures that the theme of usurpation and its consequences runs throughout The Tempest, we need to define the meaning of the term usurpation. Usurpation is when someone wrongfully seizes/assumes the power or the throne. An example of usurpation was when Napoleon usurped/seized the power from Louis XVI. The main plot of the play is to do with Prospero seeking revenge on his brother for taking his place as the Duke of Milan and leaving him and his daughter Miranda adrift in a boat to die. Prospero wants order to be restored and for him to be back as the Duke of Milan. During the play there are also two subplots involving a couple of people wanting to usurp the King of Naples and a group of three people wishing to usurp Prospero. Some aspects of the idea of usurpation occurs in nearly every scene in the Shakespeare's play "The Tempest" The theme also occurs in a verity of different circumstances and between different groups of people all wanting to overthrow the rightful person for there own benefit. The main way that Shakespeare has ensured that the theme of usurpation runs
"The role of the teacher can often be a negative one" discuss…
Tuesday, 13 May 2003 Jad Salfiti A2 English Literature "The role of the teacher can often be a negative one" discuss... The definition of a teacher is one who teaches or instructs; one whose business or occupation is to instruct others; an instructor; a tutor. The Tempest was written in 1611, following the discovery of the Bermudas and the colonisation of Ireland, during what is known as the Jacobean period. King James I resided over the throne. The most important themes are language and power: or to blend the two word power. The Tempest can be viewed as an allegory for power. The institution or individual that controls language: controls society. Prospero has a great control of language; his magical powers and intellect separate him from the other characters within the play. Prospero's magical powers signify his 'academic ascendancy' and he becomes the teacher figure within the play. Prospero emerges as the most obvious teacher within The Tempest. He was a scholar in Milan and he imposes his intellectualism on his daughter. This shows the chain of transmission of knowledge. Miranda is educated and empowered by her knowledge. Miranda is under the thumb of her dictatorial father. Prospero even refers to Miranda as his "foot". Prospero has educated his daughter, Miranda, the savage and deformed slave Caliban, and acts as a
The real monster in The Tempest is Prospero rather than Caliban
The real monster in The Tempest is Prospero rather than Caliban" With particular reference to the interpretation of Prospero as a symbol of European colonialism, discuss his treatment of Ariel and Caliban. "The real monster in The Tempest is Prospero rather than Caliban" With particular reference to the interpretation of Prospero as a symbol of European colonialism, discuss his treatment of Ariel and Caliban. In Shakespeare's The Tempest, Prospero can be seen as a coloniser. Although he himself was forced onto the island, he was quick to impose both his beliefs and his self-proclaimed authority over the island's natural inhabitants. This self-appointed ruler however, is not the legitimate sovereign of the island. The native Caliban is the natural landlord of the isle, as it was passed down through his mother Sycorax. Yet Prospero rules over the island. In taking charge of an island that is not his, and then exerting his authority over the inhabitants through his magic, Prospero is obviously a metaphor for European colonial power, with which Shakespeare was becoming increasingly familiar during his lifetime with accounts of sea-men and expeditions splashed all over the covers of the broadsheets. In the Elizabethan Zeitgeist, Prospero would have the right to dominate and exploit Caliban because Prospero would view himself as a superior being with the right to take control of
The real monster in The Tempest is Prospero rather than Caliban" With particular reference to the interpretation of Prospero as a symbol of European colonialism, discuss his treatment of Ariel and Caliban.
The real monster in The Tempest is Prospero rather than Caliban" With particular reference to the interpretation of Prospero as a symbol of European colonialism, discuss his treatment of Ariel and Caliban. "The real monster in The Tempest is Prospero rather than Caliban" With particular reference to the interpretation of Prospero as a symbol of European colonialism, discuss his treatment of Ariel and Caliban. In Shakespeare's The Tempest, Prospero can be seen as a coloniser. Although he himself was forced onto the island, he was quick to impose both his beliefs and his self-proclaimed authority over the island's natural inhabitants. This self-appointed ruler however, is not the legitimate sovereign of the island. The native Caliban is the natural landlord of the isle, as it was passed down through his mother Sycorax. Yet Prospero rules over the island. In taking charge of an island that is not his, and then exerting his authority over the inhabitants through his magic, Prospero is obviously a metaphor for European colonial power, with which Shakespeare was becoming increasingly familiar during his lifetime with accounts of sea-men and expeditions splashed all over the covers of the broadsheets. In the Elizabethan Zeitgeist, Prospero would have the right to dominate and exploit Caliban because Prospero would view himself as a superior being with the right to take control of
