![]() Prospero throws constant obstacles in their way. The union of Miranda and Ferdinand is settled at their first interview. The Tempest has little progressive action throughout the plot. Although some feminist critics have labeled Shakespeare’s presentation as misogynistic and sexist, it can be seen that the gender roles in The Tempest present a platform for the author’s plot. ![]() At times, Shakespeare develops his women characters as vicious, evil, and spiteful. Throughout his plays, Shakespeare uses strong-willed women with certain weaknesses that mirror Victorian era society. One issue that has always been of interest to scholars was his portrayal of women in his work. The play was written during the Elizabethan era and was thus influenced by some social beliefs. The Tempest has been widely accepted as Shakespeare’s most mature comedy (Faucet 17). ![]() ![]() Scholars have endorsed that the source of the play was the 1609 shipwreck of an English ship in Bermuda and the various reports of the island by survivors. Some can argue that Prospero and Miranda are intruders on the island, and that by choosing to serve Stephano rather than accept Prospero’s education and enslavement, Caliban practices a measure of self-determination.The Tempest was first performed before King James I and again during the marriage festivities of the king’s daughter, Elizabeth. They observe that he foolishly trades one master (Prospero) for another (Stephano) and that his so-called “wish for freedom” turns out to be a desire for the self-indulgence he obtains through Stephano’s wine. Those who view him negatively point out that he is a potential rapist who plots to commit murder. Many are divided on what to make of Caliban. 164-68) Later in Act 3, Scene 2, Caliban persuades Stephano and Trinculo to try to murder Prospero but the plot is foiled by Ariel in Act 4, Scene 1, and the three betrayers were punished with cramps, pinches, and pains. I’ll bear him no more sticks, but follow thee, Thou wondrous man. I’ll fish for thee and get thee wood enough. Stephano plies the frightened Caliban with liquor and in drunken gratitude, Caliban swears his obedience to the butler, promising to serve him and to show him the best places on the island, and giddily celebrating his new-found “freedom”:I’ll show thee the best springs. The noise turns out to be the jester Trinculo, followed shortly afterward by the drunken butler Stephano. 2.ģ53-55) This exchange sets the stage for Caliban’s behavior during the rest of the play.On his own gathering wood in Act 2, Scene 2, Caliban continues to curse his master then hearing a noise which he thinks must be Prospero’s spirits coming to punish him, he throws himself onto the ground in an attempt to hide. I had peopled else This isle with Calibans. 340-42) Calling him a liar, Prospero reminds Caliban that he was treated well until he tried to rape Miranda.Ĭaliban readily admits the attempted rape, retorting: O ho, O ho! Would ‘t had been done! Thou didst prevent me. He bitterly accuses Prospero of befriending him in order to take advantage of his gratitude and rob him of the island which he considers his birthright: And then I loved thee, And showed thee all the qualities o’ th’ isle, The fresh springs, brine pits, barren place and fertile. 345-48) In contrast, Caliban considers himself mistreated and overworked. Regarding him as a “beast,” Prospero has forced Caliban into slavery: For I am all the subjects that you have, Which first was mine own king and here you sty me In this hard rock, whiles you do keep from me The rest o’ th’ island.
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