The Theme Of Man Vs. Nurture In Shakespeare's The Tempest

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Throughout the entirety of human existence, people have been contemplating the effects of nature versus nurture. Are people born with the ability to live with unselfish concern, then corrupted by society? Or are humans essentially evil. If so, how does one define what is good or bad? Considering the subjectivity that follows humanity 's perception of altruism, it is arguable that humans are simply an amalgamation of the environment they are exposed to. In Shakespeare 's The Tempest, humans are depicted as neither inherently good or bad as displayed within the themes of ambition for power, man versus monster and the illusion of justice. The way a human perceives power is a direct result of their upbringing. As said by John Dalberg-Acton, "absolute
In the play, there is a drastic difference between the human characters and Caliban and Ariel. Throughout the play, Caliban and Ariel remain as static characters while the human characters experience character development and change. Ariel is a spirit that exists on an unearthly realm, incapable of feeling human emotion. Caliban is at the opposite end of the spectrum, in which he has a more animalistic approach on life. Caliban is described as a "A devil, a born devil, on whose nature nurture can never stick" (4.1.188-192). Shakespeare writes Caliban as inherently brutish, and evil regardless of Miranda and Prospero 's nurturing. The intention of Caliban is to show the stark contrast between humanity and all other life. Unlike Prospero, Caliban is unable to change his inherent nature. In act I, Miranda says, "Abhorred slave! Which any print of goodness wilt not take being capable of all ill" (1.2.355-356). In this quote, Miranda clearly exemplifies her disrespect for Caliban. Although it proves that Caliban is monstrous, it also contradicts Miranda 's character and her treatment towards the rest of the characters. Throughout the play, Miranda is depicted as a naive, innocent character. Yet she treats Caliban with contempt. Her usual kind demeanor is masked by her irrational hatred for Caliban. Evidently, Miranda has subconsciously picked up many of Prospero 's traits, therefore insinuating that one 's behaviour is a direct result of the environment they are exposed

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