The role of colonialism in Shakespeare's late Romance The Tempest is difficult to ignore. Cast off on a remote island, Prospero uses magic to conquer his new territory, making all of those that lived there before him fall under his command. There is a sense of revolution about Caliban, one who seeks to reclaim his homeland for his own and separate himself from the rule of his master. However, critics like Barbara Fuchs wish to pigeonhole this sense of colonialism into domestic issues, such as the British relationship with Ireland, while ignoring the relationship the play shares to the beginning of Britain's expansion into the New World--a world that had only been unlocked some one hundred years previous to the writing of the play. Fuch's notes in her essay that, "It is an axiom...that The Tempest is a play about the European colonial experience in America" (265). This relationship of colonization is an easy one to prove. First, by looking at the pattern of British colonization beginning in the late 16th century it is possible to begin drawing ties between the reality of Shakespeare's time and the fiction of Shakespeare's world. Second, the slave Caliban exhibits all of the characteristics of a conquered native--or one who is forced to give up his right to his land for the sake of a new master. Third, Prospero's treatment of both the island and its inhabitants are extremely reminiscent of the British colonialist experience, to such a degree that it is hard to not draw a connection between the two. At its core, The Tempest is a play about conquerors and the conquered, and its connections to British colonialism are easily seen.
British colonialism followed a pattern in conquering colonies that is important to recognize before it i...
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Through a historical lens, Shakespeare’s The Tempest revolves around the evolving times of England during the Tudor Dynasty in 1552-1603. During those times Queen Elizabeth I was the newly appointed ruler of England after her half-sister, the previous ruler had died. This new change was the new beginning for England. It allowed many opportunities to arise such as a new stock company, provisions for the poor, and a chance for many to explore the world with their new wealth. To thank and impress their new Queen, many set sail to conquer new lands. Similar to history, The Tempest did contained a few curious Englishmen and their king discovering new land but the exact location is unknown. At the time of Shakespeare’s
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To expound, after running Alonzo’s ship aground, Ariel verbally demonstrates his opposition to Prospero’s forced servitude, thus alluding to the anti-colonial nature of The Tempest play. Believing that his master will free him one year earlier as agre...
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The Tempest, like any text, is a product of its context. It is constructed in relation to moral or ethical concerns of 17th century European Jacobean society. The resolution of conflict appears 'natural' or an inevitable consequence if regarded in relation to the concerns of its context. The resolution of conflict in this play incorporates Prospero being returned to his 'rightful' or natural position as Duke of Milan, his daughter Miranda getting married to Ferdinand, and the party returning to Milan leaving the island to the 'monster', Caliban. The resolution is a consequence of the concerns of the time, including the idea of the divine right of kings, courtly love, and colonisation.
The Tempest, by Shakespeare, offers the reader a variety of themes. The one theme that stands out the most is that of colonialism. During the time of Shakespeare, many European countries such as Spain, France, and England, were expanding their borders by taking over less developed countries, referred to as colonies. During this time of exploitation, there was skepticism concerning the possible success of the colonies. While some scholars believe that the play is about the Americas, I argue that the play reflects on colonialism in general and how it is destined for failure which is shown through the character’s relationships throughout the play.