More Than Meets The Eye

Throughout history, individuals have notoriously been subject to higher powers. This form of ownership of an individual exemplifies itself in slavery, indentured servitude, and even in the governmental systems that hold reign over the general population. The ability of one person to rule over another arises from both moral and physical inequalities. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a prominent Genevan philosopher, attempts to uncover the origin of inequality. In The Second Discourse, Rousseau systematically dissects the movement of humans away from their natural state and attempts to explain how inequality is derived. Shakespeare’s The Tempest tells the tale of a usurped Duke, Prospero, who suffers a life of exile on a mystical island. Overthrown by his own brother Antonio, Prospero seeks revenge. In a series of carefully planned events, Prospero strands a group of European lords on his isle, one of whom is Antonio. Using his knowledge of magic, Prospero succeeds at obtaining control over his kingdom of Milan. On the surface, The Tempest appears unrelated to the work by Rousseau. However, quite the contrary is true. The Tempest is inundated with many similar philosophical ideas discussed in The Second Discourse. When comparing The Tempest and The Second Discourse, the themes of inequality versus equality, nature versus nurture, and savage man versus civilized man prevail.

As described in The Tempest, it is clear to identify that inequality exists amongst the island’s inhabitants. Shakespeare illustrates this inequality with reference to the character Prospero. After being dethroned as the Duke of Milan, Prospero and his daughter Miranda are exiled from the country and set to sea on a raft. With the aide of supplies and magic ...

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...for food and shelter. Whether barbaric or civilized, the actions of both Caliban and Prospero combine in a most interesting manner.

The Tempest and The Second Discourse are inundated with the themes of inequality versus equality, nature versus nurture, and savage man versus civil man. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a prominent philosopher of his time and author of The Second Discourse, attempts to pinpoint the origin of inequality. In doing so, he interestingly analyzes the differences between civilized man and natural man. William Shakespeare, a prolific writer during the Elizabethan Era and author of The Tempest, draws attention to issues facing mankind. While at first glance these two literary pieces appear to be unrelated, after analysis, they offer many similarities. What is most central is that both pieces offer insight into authority, power, and equality.