...passion for the literature. Shakespeare was known to develop the Early Modern English language. He is the insightful genius of coined everyday phrases that is used in this generation. Shakespeare’s literary works used the world around him to disseminate the concepts of social class and human behavior. These concepts are demonstrated in The Tempest and Une Tempête. Une Tempête is a play by Aimé Césaire who shadowed Shakespeare’s, The Tempest. The problem is not Aimé Césaire’s version of Shakespeare’s play but it is the comprehension of Early Modern English. When students study the Early Modern English language, there is a debate of whether the use of SparkNotes embodies the understanding of what Shakespeare is exploiting. The use of SparkNotes only translates the plays in simplistic form; it does not give definitive historical facts about the words that Shakespeare uses. Shakespeare distinctively incorporated rhythmic patterns, play on words that exposed a character’s purpose in the play and his ideologies about society. Each play Shakespeare produced emphasized a specific theme that the audience or reader had to search for. The theme The Tempest is political romance about two individuals that are of a certain social hierarchy. Aimé Césaire’s Une Tempête is about social domination and the role of colonization. Students in high school would not be able to figure that out the basis of Shakespeare’s language with the use of...
Words: 1744 - Pages: 7
...The Tempest: How is the theme of power and control demonstrated through out the tempest. In “The Tempest” , power is demonstrated through various forms. Shakespeare presents the theme of power through the social power held by Sebastian and Antonio as they demonstrate the abuse of their power towards those they may deem socially lower. Shakespeare also presents power through Prospero’s magic and manipulation as he crafts his return to as the duke of Milan as well as his treatment of Miranda and Prospero. Prospero is a character that throughout the play consistently seeks to maintain and gain power, and as such has sought to regain power that was taken away from him in the form of his dukedom. His study in magic may have been the cause for this loss of control, however to some extent, magic has made sure he has maintained his power. The concrete nouns of “thunder” and “lightning” used as stage directions firstly demonstrate Prospero’s manipulation of the elements through his magic. This ties in with the theme of power as Prospero shows the extent to which his magic can reach. His manipulation of the elements is consistent throughout the play and portrays him as trying to play god in influencing nature, these nouns portray Prospero as a character to be feared as these nouns emphasises the wrath and power of Prospero’s magic. The clause “I made shake” reinforces how Prospero views himself and also how influential and fearsome his magic was. The pronoun “I” emphasises Prospero’s...
Words: 1117 - Pages: 5
...I will analyze the three main characters; Prospero,Caliban and Miranda from the play ‘The Tempest’ by Shakespeare in my essay. I will be analysing the relationship of the three and also refering to the other characters that effected by them. The first thing that draws attention is the title of the play. ‘The Tempest’ name first associates with the destructive force that tear down everything including the social positions and hierarchies. But when you finish reading, it means not the revenge of Prospero but the possibility of tranformation that he gives to the other characters in the play. The tempest also helps Prospero to regain his position as the Duke of Milan by destroying the new regime and bringing back the other characters to their old positions. Prospero is one of the main characters for shaping the whole play with his plan. He reserves all the features of west civilization which are power, wisdom and magic, in addition to his being as a saviour from the squalidity. He rules the nature with his learning and wisdom. In scene 2 , we are informed about the life of Prospero when he tells his daughter Miranda about why they are in that deserted island for twelve years, how his brother Antonio usurped his kingdom with the help of Alonso,the king of Napoli and tells that they are still alive because Gonzalo provided them with clothing,food and books from his library that he owes his power and wisdom. Gonzalo shows us how good people are mocked by the representatives of...
Words: 1313 - Pages: 6
...The Role of Magic in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Hamlet, and Macbeth Like many other themes, magic and supernatural elements play a large role in many of Shakespeare’s works. The use of magic interests the audience, plays to the imagination, and adds dramatic intrigue to the story, even when the rest of the plot is comprised of believable events. These themes are most prominent in The Tempest, Hamlet, and Macbeth. In each of these plays, magic and supernatural occurrences not only play a large role in the plot, but also help to communicate various messages and literary value. Shakespeare utilizes magic and supernatural happenings in both positive and negative lights, depending on the purpose it serves in each of the mentioned plays. It is seen as a decision maker, nature, a prophet, a symbol of fate, and an equalizer. Regardless of its specific role in each play and its positive or negative depiction, it serves to move the plot forward through a force which acts beyond the capabilities and power of man, even man himself did conjure it. In The Tempest, we see an example of supernatural power conjured or exercised by man. Prospero, the wielder of this magic, uses magic as a means to set right that which was, in his opinion, wrong in his life and in the universe. In this play, we see magic used as an equalizer. Prospero uses his learned sorcery to reverse all of the supposedly false or unlawful happenings in his life, apparently feeling that these things were...
Words: 1605 - Pages: 7
...Author: Course Title: Instructor; Date: A Critical Analysis of the Tempest by Shakespeare A critical analysis of the Tempest reveals numerous unscrupulous schemes that are often employed by human beings in a bid to gain power and influence. These schemes reflect the nature of people as they attempt to acquire dominance over others in various aspects of life. In the Tempest, these schemes are discernible from the many scenes where characters engage in underhand deals even against fellow characters in a bid to win influence. However, it is notable that the impact of these schemes is resolved quite amicably, although there remains a lingering discomfort that illustrates that this acquired utopia is rather temporal. It can be noted that some of the characters actually pay for their engagement in these illicit deals, although a more critical analysis reveals that this punishment may be deterrent enough as some of the characters do not seem to learn their lessons. Indeed, the Tempest creates the allusion of an island where goodness always overshadows the evil and in the end there seems to be a re-birth that signifies a resumption of normal life. (Pierce 374). It must be noted that this sense of utopia initially begins through a state of chaos when a party organized by Alonso suffers greatly from a vicious storm while at sea. This is notable when the play begins with the sound of lightning and thunder that causes “a tempestuous noise” (Shakespeare I, I, 1). Perhaps this malevolent...
Words: 1469 - Pages: 6
...This is a good article. Click here for more information. The Tempest From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (Redirected from The tempest) This article is about the Shakespeare play. For other uses, see The Tempest (disambiguation). The shipwreck in Act I, Scene 1, in a 1797 engraving by Benjamin Smith after a painting by George Romney The Tempest is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written in 1610–11, and thought by many critics to be the last play that Shakespeare wrote alone. It is set on a remote island, where Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, plots to restore his daughter Miranda to her rightful place using illusion and skilful manipulation. He conjures up a storm, the eponymous tempest, to lure his usurping brother Antonio and the complicit King Alonso of Naples to the island. There, his machinations bring about the revelation of Antonio's lowly nature, the redemption of the King, and the marriage of Miranda to Alonso's son, Ferdinand. There is no obvious single source for the plot of The Tempest, but researchers have seen parallels in Erasmus's Naufragium, Peter Martyr's De orbe novo, and eyewitness reports by William Strachey and Sylvester Jordain of the real-life shipwreck of the Sea Venture on the islands of Bermuda, and the subsequent conflict between Sir Thomas Gates and Sir George Somers. In addition, one of Gonzalo's speeches is derived from Montaigne's essay Of the Canibales, and much of Prospero's renunciative speech is taken...
Words: 9690 - Pages: 39
...Revenge, Forgiveness and Reconciliation The Tempest has the theme of revenge and reconciliation is seen largely in the character of Prospero. In the title, The Tempest is both literal and metaphorical. Shakespeare begins the play with a fierce storm which wrecks the courtier’s ship. I think the storm symbolizes “the tempest of life” (for example the struggle of life) around which the play is based. Prospero is a dynamic character in this play who exhibits the motions of motivation and forgiveness. Forgiveness is the hardest thing to do when someone has done something awful to you and then to reconcile with the person is harder while you want revenge. Prospero will show us how these themes are used to interpret as I explain in detail next. Prospero is the ousted Duke of Milan who has been living in exile on a remote island for the past twelve years. He is also a powerful magician, father of Miranda, master of Ariel and Caliban, and a guy who really likes his books. Twelve years earlier, he found refuge on this island after his younger brother, Antonio, seized Prospero's title and property. Prospero functions as a god on the island, manipulating everyone within his reach. He is helpless against his enemies until they appear on a ship nearby; but when they are close enough, he can use his magic to create a storm and bring them under his control; and this is what makes me think revenge is being taken place. Prospero's magic is the white magic of nature...
Words: 1124 - Pages: 5
...Often called William Shakespeare’s farewell to the stage, The Tempest is considered to be one of his greatest plays. The Tempest is not set in reality, but in a mysterious world that melded everyday people and material with a beautiful fantasia. The Tempest features many fantastic themes, three of them include power and control, man versus monster and colonization. Out of all of the themes in The Tempest, these three themes are the most prevalent. The theme of power and control mainly ensues within Prospero, himself. This is prevailing in the way he treats his servants, Caliban and Ariel. Prospero says many nasty things to Caliban such as, “Thou poisonous slave, got by the devil himself. Upon thy wicked dam, Come forth!” (I.ii.383-384) From...
Words: 711 - Pages: 3
...The Triumph of Purity in William Shakespeare's The Tempest (1610-11) DEEPSHIKHA DAS ROLL NO. – E 11 ENGLISH M.A 1ST YEAR BETHUNE COLLEGE Purity is defined as the absence of impurity or contaminants in a substance. The term also applies to the absence of vice in human characters. As for women, the term 'purity' encompasses the notion of chastity which is a prerequisite of a 'good/gentle woman'. The virtue of purity as embodied in human beings was to become quite a popular trope since the middle ages. From Dante's Divina Commedia (1308-11) to Spenser's Faerie Queene (1590-96), purity is treated as an ideal for everybody to strive towards. It is always analogous to goodness. A character with this trait (more usually female ) is treated both by the narrative and many of the characters as being a shining example of good. Almost always beautiful, she often gives off a soft radiance that attracts people. She is almost exclusively soft-spoken, polite, optimistic, and just all round pleasant to be around. The 14th century alliterative poems Pearl , Purity ,and Patience, draws easily on the Bible for its narrative and illustrate the virtue of purity in character. In Shakespearean tragedies like Othello , Desdemona is killed by her husband Othello who thinks she was unfaithful....
Words: 2425 - Pages: 10
...other was born out of necessity; there are no other simple reasons for them falling in love. There is much reason to stipulate their love was born out of necessity. One such argument is since Prospero wants them to fall in love; they have to because he is in complete control of the island and controls the entire plot of the play. Another such reason for their marriage is that they are ideal characters for each other, all the other primary characters are corrupt, yet Ferdinand and Miranda being young and innocent are the ideal candidates for each other. As well I shall explore one commonality between two of Shakespeare’s plays. One final reason to support these views is of the very nature of this play, which is the nature of Shakespearian Comedy. All Shakespearian Comedies must end in a marriage, and this is no exception. Drawing on my first two arguments to support my third it is quite evident why Ferdinand and Miranda simply have to be. On the island Prospero wields complete power, over the forces of nature and even to some extent over the wills of others. What Prospero wants, Prospero gets. He accomplishes this through his magical powers and sorcery, and to a certain extent- his cunning. So how does all of this tie into Ferdinand and Miranda having to fall in love? Although it is not quite evident at first, Prospero wants them to be. He most likely wants this in order to make peace with Alonso, King of Naples by having his daughter marry Alonso’s son. So really...
Words: 1385 - Pages: 6
...The Tempest written during the 1600s by one of the most influential writers of his time, William Shakespeare, takes us deep in to the Renaissance, in which questions of religion and man’s place in the world were the cause of much conflict. There are many insinuations that the character of Prospero is a cover for Shakespeare himself and through the protagonist, Shakespeare voices some of his views about the world he was living in. Along with themes of power, men and control, colonization also seems to be a main focus of Shakespeare throughout The Tempest, as almost every character ponders upon how he would rule the island on which the play is set if he were its king. Dr Faustus was written during the reign of England’s Queen Elizabeth I by Christopher Marlowe. It focuses on the main character, Dr Faustus, selling his soul to the devil in exchange for all the luxuries the world has to offer “twenty-four years of all voluptuousness.” Both plays present men questing for power and have left their mark on the modern world of literature. Shakespeare highlights the dominant themes power and control through the characters of Prospero and Antonio. Throughout the play many of the characters are in constant battle for power and freedom sometimes resulting in them succumbing to malevolent deeds. Prospero personifies the imperialist omnipotent ruler as he enslaves Caliban son of Sycorax and rightful ruler of the island. He uses the informal pronoun and pejorative phrase “thou most lying...
Words: 1866 - Pages: 8
...traits that make up a great leader is anything but common. The Tempest by William Shakespeare is about a former duke of Milan, Prospero, who was banished to an island with his daughter Miranda, after his brother, Antonio, usurped his power. The play begins with a storm created by Prospero that brings Antonio and prospers other enemies onto the island, along with a romantic interest for Miranda. One of the major themes in The Tempest is political power. Shakespeare represented many different approaches to power and leadership in The Tempest. These ideas are personified in the characters of the play, Gonzalo, Antonio, and Prospero. Each character possesses a quality or lack thereof that demonstrates their approach to power. The three important qualities needed for a great leader are the ability to lead with a great...
Words: 800 - Pages: 4
...In the play The Tempest by William Shakespeare Antonio is a very devious man who causes lots of trouble, yet seems to have no remorse or guilt for any of his actions. During Antonio’s speech in Act II, it is clear to the audience that he will go to any measure to gain the power that he wants no matter who he hurts in the process. Many people familiar with this play see Antonio as the villain of The Tempest. In act II scene I Antonio slyly convinces Sebastian to kill his brother Alonzo in order to take the throne and attain the title of being the new king of Naples. I argue that the desire for power is put before the bond of brotherhood and family in this play. Family isn’t everything to Antonio and he is not ashamed of taking the throne from...
Words: 1138 - Pages: 5
...Self-Referential Instances in Hamlet and The Tempest Shakespeare is famous for drawing attention to what the audience is experiencing is a play. In a Midsummer Night’s Dream, Puck concludes with “If we shadows have offended, / think but this, and all is mended” (5.1.418-19), reminding the audience that the “shadows” are just actors, and the magic they experienced was a play. There is also Jacques’ famous “all the world’s a stage” speech in As You Like It, in which he compares life to a stage, and men and women to actors (2.7.138-39). But Shakespeare’s most self-referential plays are Hamlet and The Tempest. The protagonists, Hamlet and Prospero, are both performers and directors of the action of the plays. Furthermore, each play consists of a play within the play, The Murder of Gonzago in Hamlet, and the wedding masque in The Tempest. These self-reflexive moments break down the barrier between fiction and reality. Hamlet is associated with raw emotion, and theatre acts as a sort of stand in for authentic emotion, something that Hamlet struggles to understand. In act one, scene two, Gertrude questions Hamlet why he “seems” to be taking his father’s death so personally, to which he responds that sulking around in black clothing, sighing, and weeping are just “actions that a man might play” (1.2.84), or a performance of grief, but not truly representative of the grief he feels within. These lines seem very self-aware, and bring attention to the fact that an actor, expected to...
Words: 1287 - Pages: 6
...In The Tempest by William Shakespeare the reality of human nature is portrayed in Prospero’s game of chess. In order to regain what he has lost Prospero hones his magic capabilities to control others and regain what he has lost. Several years after his exile, after being deposed of his Dukedom, Prospero forms a plan to regain his title. Prospero's knows those who deposed him are sailing nearby, so with his powers he conjures up a storm to shipwreck them on his isle. His move is evident to Miranda his daughter who questions “Father, have [you] put the wild waters in this roar”(Act 1, Sc 2, Line 1). His actions represent the king in chess setting up his field full of pawns and soldiers to fulfill his strategy. Prospero wants to control everything like in the game of chess. Prospero uses Ariel, a...
Words: 631 - Pages: 3
