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American Imperialism In The Tempest

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Colonization has had a significant and lasting impact on the world, with its effects still visible in modern times. Throughout history, colonizers have invaded and exploited the lands and resources of native populations, resulting in the oppression and displacement of countless native peoples. In The Tempest, William Shakespeare explores these topics through characters such as Caliban, who, after his mother’s death, has his island taken away from him by Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan, who enslaves Caliban and uses his magical powers in the play to enact revenge on those who wronged him. Throughout The Tempest, Shakespeare indicates that Caliban is most justified in believing that he has been wronged through his experiences reflecting …show more content…

One instance of this can be seen when Caliban says “This island’s mine by Sycorax, my mother, / Which thou tak’st from me” (1.2.396-397). Caliban refers to the island as his own, saying that he inherited it from his mother and so the island is rightfully his. By portraying Caliban as the original owner of the island, Shakespeare brings attention to how European colonizers took land belonging to native peoples and removed them from their homes. Caliban’s struggle and desire to reclaim the island reflects the struggles experienced by native peoples who lost their land to colonizers, and shows how Caliban is most wronged as he had his home taken away from him. Another example of this happening to Caliban is when he meets Trinculo and Stephano. When Trinculo and Stephano first arrive on the island and meet Caliban, he is initially afraid of them, but after drinking some of their wine, agrees to be their servant and believes that they are gods. Trinculo and Stephano’s intentions to rule the island represents the colonization that was taking place during Shakespeare’s life, as many Europeans colonized other regions such as the Americas for their resources. This shows how Caliban is wronged as he represents a native of the island, who is manipulated and exploited by the colonizers. Caliban is trusting of them and believes that they are gods, but they are merely using him. Through this exploitation of Caliban, Shakespeare demonstrates how Caliban is most wronged as he is unknowingly manipulated and is treated as an uncivilized monster. Caliban’s enslavement is also shown upon Prospero’s arrival on the island, during which he met Caliban and taught him to speak before making him into his slave. Caliban being treated in this way highlights the manners in which many native populations were treated during the Era of

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