The Tempest Culture Analysis

The appropriation of culture: Throughout the play many times Caliban and Ariel have their culture stepped on. Instead of accepting their way of life and integrating it with his own Prospero not only shames them for their culture but forces his own on them. He makes them feel as if they are outsiders on what appears to be their former home now overrun by Prospero. We see this first appear when Prospero yells at Caliban for speaking in his native tongue . Caliban greets him by saying “Uhuru” (Cesaire 11). Prospero responds “Yet another return to your savage tongue. I've already told you, I don't like it. You could be polite, at least: hello wouldn't kill you.” (Cesaire 11). He is forcing Caliban to speak in a language unfamiliar to him without even considering how Caliban might feel uncomfortable in doing so. Another example is when Trinculo and Stephano refer to Caliban as a “Nindian” because of the color of his skin. Stephan exclaims “Think about it -- a Nindian like that -- that's filthy lucre in abundance. Exhibited in a fair, between the bearded

This knowledge of the need to be freed shows how those being oppressed, mainly Caliban and Ariel, realized the inequality they are currently undergoing and the urgency of taking action. First we see Caliban literally call for freedom when he first greets Prospero and he says “Uhuru” (Cesaire 11). This is the swahili word for freedom. We also see Ariel speak of being liberated when he is discussing with Caliban in the cave and he says “I'm not just fighting for my freedom, for our freedom, but for Prospero too, so that a conscience can well up inside him.” (Cesaire 21). Although Caliban is more bold with his call for freedom and Ariel is more peaceful, this does not mean that one wants it more, only that they have different ways of trying to grasp