Essay on Imperialism and Colonialism in Shakespeare´s The...

The Tempest was Shakespeare’s last play that was written shortly after England colonized Virginia in 1609. Throughout the play, there are many different references to imperialism and colonialism within the characters. The Tempest analyzes the imperialistic relationships between England and America but applies it to personal human interaction between the central characters. The island gives newcomers a sense of endless possibilities like claiming the land for themselves because of the belief in the Great Chain of Being and the seventeenth century being an age of exploration. The idea of ruling a colony lured many people into the idea that having that kind of power over a large group of people is attainable. Master-servant relationships are†¦show more content†¦Caliban, Prospero’s slave and the first inhabitant on the island professes that he used to be his own king (l.ii.344-345). Gonzalo also has a moment where he imagines his own utopian society on the island (11.i.148-156). Stephano has his own vision of what he wants too, â€Å"Monster, I will kill this man. His daughter and I will be King and Queen.. And Trinculo and thyself shall be my viceroys†(iii.ii.101-103). Prospero, the main character, has a similar mindset to a colonist because although he ended up on the island accidentally, he still acts as superior to the inhabitants and he sees the island as something he can make profit from. Prospero probably wouldn’t fit the title of an imperialist invader because he came to the island as a fugitive and did not necessarily start a war with the inhabitants. Nonetheless he wants to restore his dukedom by manipulating people around him. He does this to his daughter Miranda by keeping her naive and innocent. He also conjures up Ferdinand, who becomes Miranda’s love interest, and then proceeds to enslave him also. Prospero uses Ariel to carry out most of his plans by convincing Ariel he will soon be free if he keeps obey ing Prospero with willingness and enthusiasm. Prospero uses mostly guilt and fear to keep his slaves along side with him. He threatens Caliban in Act 1 â€Å"Thou shalt be pinched as thick as honeycomb, each pinch moreShow MoreRelatedWilliam Shakespeare s The Tempest 1712 Words   |  7 PagesTea Ilic Mrs. Gailey English 200 The Tempest Final Paper Caliban the Mystery, Even to This Day. Many times, Shakespeare refers to Caliban from The Tempest as â€Å"a natural man†. What did that mean to him, to be a natural man? There are many reasons why Shakespeare would have called him that, including the fact that he just looked completely different than the rest of the characters in The Tempest. He was black and dirty, he looked like a savage. Far more different then the other characters. By theRead MoreSuccesses and Failures of Patriarchy in Colonialism2853 Words   |  12 PagesIn â€Å"The Tempest†, â€Å"Translations† and â€Å"Things Fall Apart†, the theme of patriarchy is explored in different settings; the colonisation of the Irish in â€Å"Translations†, an unnamed island in â€Å"The Tempest† and the Igbo tribe in â€Å"Things Fall Apart†. Prospero is a familial patriarch, shown through his dominant control of Miranda, such as ‘the very minute bids thee ope thine ear. Obey and be attentive’ . Hugh’s control of Manus is familial, as is Okonkwo’s control of his wives and children. Prospero’s control