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European Colonialism In Shakespeare's The Tempest

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European colonialism involved many major issues including slavery, cultural oppression and racism. During the 15th through 19th century, Europeans took over native land and ruled over them. They had the power and technological advantage over native people so they were able to colonized their land. When this happened, the native people became culturally oppressed and no longer had their freedom. Similarly, in the Tempest, Prospero took over the island (which was caliban’s land at one point) and ruled over him. Caliban now had to live under Prospero’s rules and no longer can live his wild life. Prospero also saved Ariel from the imprisonment of Sycorax and then imprisoned him for himself. He controlled them and made them do whatever he wanted …show more content…

This is not fair treatment to Ariel and Caliban just like the Europeans did not treat the natives fairy. There is very clear similarities between the two concepts and the connection can be easily seen. In the play, Caliban was on the island first and he considered that his land. When Prospero came over, he used his power to take over. He was the Duke, and he could take over anyone he wanted. Although they were friendly at first, Prospero eventually took full control of the people on the island as well. This included Ariel and Caliban. Just like when the Europeans discovered new land, took it over, and ruled over anyone that was there. Prospero used his power and magic to completely manipulate people only to further himself.This play is helpful in understanding colonialism because it shows a higher power going to a new land and conquering anyone who previously lived there. Although they did nothing wrong or caused zero harm, Europeans and Prospero were socially above them, thus, giving them the ability to do so. Alike, understanding colonialism is also helpful in understanding the play. If you know the basic concept of colonialism then you will better understand the relationship between Prospero, Ariel, and

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Prospero constantly claims that Caliban is incapable of doing anything right and is only capable of committing malicious acts. In the text, Shakespeare states, “Which any print of goodness wilt not take, being capable of all ill.” This statement further emphasizes Prospero’s revulsion towards Caliban. They have both endured neglection and verbal abuse throughout their lifetimes, which has led them to commit wrongful acts of violence upon

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In addition to Caliban, Prospero's yearning for vengeance also creates internal issues for himself. After Ferdinand and Miranda announce their marriage, Prospero claims his "rejoicing / At nothing can be more," because he must "perform / Much business appertaining," (Shakespeare, 95-99). Usually, a father focuses more on his daughter getting married, however Prospero can only focus on his plans for vengeance. Some believe that the characters internal struggles were caused by the wrongdoers, and not a lack of forgiveness; however, at the end of the play, after Prospero becomes a more virtuous character, his conflicts with his brother and Caliban are resolved, clearly showing that their focus on vengeance is what caused the internal struggles.

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(1.2.191-193) reinforces Cesaire’s post-colonial perspective and his endorsement of negritude. Caliban finds himself continuously ill-treated; he has it the worst of all of Prospero’s slaves. The conditions of hard-labour that were subjected to black people by white supercilious people during colonization are mentioned by Cesaire were Prospero “forgives” Ferdinand and excuses him from his afore imposed state of slavery on the basis that they are of the same race and rank and the manual labour that was intended for Ferdinand is passed on to Caliban. Caliban is naïve and gullible, he trusts Stephano and Trinculo upon meeting them for the first time in spite of the ordeal he undergoes with Prospero. Caliban’s woes are echoed throughout the play and draws sympathy from the reader, whereas in “The Tempest” Shakespeare makes it difficult for the audience to consider Caliban as anything further then the perpetrator

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As the play begins, it seems as if the massive tempest is simply a random occurrence, catching the mariners and nobility by chance. However, as the act continues, Shakespeare reveals that the tempest was actually the work of Prospero and his ghostly servant Ariel, who stirred up the seas and set fire to the masts (1.2, 193-194). This establishes Prospero as the executor of a mess of ‘coincidences’ ranging from Ferdinand stumbling upon his daughter Miranda to King Alonso and his party walking directly into the former duke’s cell. Though Prospero may have the same control over the English language as the other characters, Caliban points to his specific source of power. He says, “… for without [his books] /

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