Gonzalo’s speeches in Act 2 Scene 1 are the main indicator of Shakespeare’s social idealism within the play. He begins by saying “Had I plantation of this isle”. Here Gonzalo is speculating on the possibilities of the island. However, this also shows that even old, kind Gonzalo wishes for power and control, thus consolidating power as a central theme within the play. “Letters should not be known” seems at first to suggest that there would be no formal education or even use of written language on the island, but seeing as this could be Shakespeare’s utopia expressed through Gonzalo, this doesn’t appear to make sense. Shakespeare made his living through writing, and so I think that it seems more likely they are referring to names, or the class system, where everyone was judged by their lineage. However, it is significant that at the end of the play, Prospero chooses to give up his magic and return to Italy, and Italian society, where he will in be in charge as is his birthright. This would satisfy Prospero’s need for power.
Whilst on the island, Prospero has learned how to become a good leader. This is shown by the way in which he tells Miranda by delayed exposition that “those (his magic) being all my study, I cast government upon my brother”. This quotation implies that Prospero knows he paved the way for his brother to take over. It also shows that he now knows he was a neglectful leader, which shows some humility, perhaps meaning that his character has changed since being marooned on the island.
Gonzalo muses on creating a commonwealth on the island, with “no sovreignty”, in the presence of the King of Naples. This is quite startling in its outspokeness, and starts to disabuse us of the notion that Gonzalo is just a kindly old fool. This gives us another parallel between Shakespeare and Gonzalo, as Gonzalo voices his commonwealth idea in front of the king, and Shakespeare is sending this message out in front of an audience that could very likely have included royalty.
Also, I believe that Prospero presents some ideas of society too. He is a very dominant character, speaking the epilogue, which is unusual for a main character in a Shakespeare play. Prospero manipulates the characters and shapes the story, and is almost always totally in control. This helps to show the manipulative elements in his character. The Tempest tells the story of Prospero’s usurpation, and, to put it simply, the plot to get his dukedom back. Prospero presents himself as a victim of his brother’s ambition, but it is later shown to us that Prospero was a poor ruler, far more interested in his books than in looking after his country, as is shown but the words “those being all my study/ the government I cast upon my brother”. Already, due to his dukedom, Prospero is cast in the role of leader. We know that Shakespeare has portrayed him as neglectful of his duties during his reign. This could be a comment on the negative points of having one all powerful leader, as Prospero’s character does have several negative elements in. He is controlling (quotation), and petty, he threatens Caliban, saying “to-night thou shalt have cramps/Side-stitches that shall pen thy breath up”
Prospero’s controlling nature manifests itself in his desire to keep everything happening exactly when and how he wants it. When Miranda and Ferdinand begin to fall in love (as he planned) he says “They are both in either’s powers/ But this swift business/ I must uneasy make”. He needs it to happen exactly as he planned. Another example of this would be when Ariel asks for his “liberty”. Instead of asking Ariel for a few hours more, Prospero shows his autocratic nature by reminding Ariel of how he rescued him, and how he can punish him again.
The small society on the island that Prospero has created for himself, Miranda and Caliban has him has the head of it. Both Caliban and Miranda obey him, and there is no-one to question his authority. Although he refuses to free Ariel and enslaves Caliban, he never actually intends to harm anyone. This is shown by his question to Ariel “But are they, Ariel, safe?” It also seems like Ariel actually has the power on the island, as Prospero needs him to work his magic. The way he rules on the island could, therefore be likened to the way we are told he ruled in Milan, where although it was actually him that was the Duke, his brother ruled the country.
This idea of society that Prospero has created on the island is that of a single all-powerful ruler. Prospero is eager to return to Naples and the rigid social structure of Italian high society. I believe that this is because the small, relaxed society on the island did not satisfy his need for power over others. He does relinquish his magic, however, which was the main source of his power on the island. I feel that this is because he knows that when he is back in Italy he will not need magic powers to control people, as he will be the rightful duke, and this will be respected by members of Italian society. This also is another example of how important the theme of power is.
In conclusion, I think that the island is a microcosm of society, and due to its size, and the small number of people on there, everything is concentrated. For example, Sebastian’s desire to be King would probably have been suppressed back in Italy, but on the island it is not.
