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Theme of power in the play the tempest
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The theme of power in the tempest
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Power can be displayed in various different ways, whether it be physical force, manipulation, coercion or persuasion, it has an inevitable effect on the environment facing it. The nature of power influences people who have too much authority to become overly conceited, resulting in failure driven by manipulation and neglect. This phenomenon is vividly portrayed in Hamlet by William Shakespeare and The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls. In both narratives, characters demonstrate an excessive abuse of power, ultimately leading to failure for themselves and those around them. The power they are given is a valid proof of Abraham Lincoln’s quote, “Nearly all men can withstand adversity; but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
Power can be too much for some people to handle. History has shown us many individuals who become too powerful and begin to make decisions that have a lasting negative effect. This taste of power is something people crave and too often once they get their first taste, they are never satisfied. Gail Giles shows us in her book Shattering Glass that power can change anybody for better or worse. So as Rob’s power begins to disappear and he begins to spiral down a dark road, Giles illustrates the theme that power can suddenly develop an uncontrollable momentum of its own.
The sway of power perverts the human conscience, developing wicked
If you are reading your history book, a play, or even watching the news today, you will see how people abuse the power that they have over somethings. There have been many leaders and people who abuse their power over civilization and places. Even the littlest taste of power often leads them to corruption. Many times, citizens and adversaries riot over some of the things that they disagree on and, in some cases, murder comes in to play.
There are many instances in media such as movies, books, and TV shows where a good character is turned evil either by their actions or the influences of another. This polarizing action also occurs in the real world and can be witnessed through looking at history, or looking at our world today. In the case of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar there are several characters who go mad with power, most noticeably Marcus Brutus, often referred to as ‘Brutus’. Another instance of a person of significance being corrupted by power is Henry VIII of England. Both men in a like manner started out innocent, were given a taste of power, and then took advantage of that power and became corrupt.
This is the main cause of wars and ending of leaders. Shakespeare captured this image of overcoming with power, and changing of personalities perfectly in the play Macbeth. This play is about a man and wife coming so obsessed with becoming the new king and queen they stop at nothing to fulfil this dream. They shed blood and get caught up in their sins and guilt their life story ends tragically.
Once someone has had a taste of power, they will do everything possible to hold onto it. Throughout Hosseini’s novel, characters gain and lose power. They also abuse power, whether through friendship or fear. They manipulate the powerless to stay in their position. In Khaled Hosseini’s
f Justin Kurzel’s leadership strategies were successful in addressing modern audiences, why replace both him and his party? If Wright’s concepts are too complex and misunderstood by supporters, detractors, and the public, may it be more beneficial to support the Greens? William Shakespeare’s, Macbeth, through the notion of power and ambition insinuates that every individual has the potential to be corrupted when ambition to replace the loss of love with power becomes tainted with rapacious dispositions. Justin Kurzel’s 2015 film adaptation more effectively emulates Shakespeare’s embedded messages and intentions to modern audiences than Geoffrey Wright’s 2006 edition.
Throughout history power has been corrupted people many times. For example, Hitler, Napoleon, and even George Bush have all been corrupted by power. Any person who gains power usually uses it to their advantage. Shakespeare realized that humans are naturally corrupted by power. Many of the kings and queens of his day were corrupt.
As humans, the desire to want control or influence is natural. However, some people may go to greater extremes than others to obtain this power. For instance, in the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Macbeth was characterized as a good man, well renowned for winning a battle. His wife, on the contrary, Lady Macbeth, has a strong urge to obtain power and she is willing to do anything to acquire it. She implemented the thought of destroying everyone who stood in the way along the path to reach royalty in Macbeth’s mind by making him feel like he as though he is less of a man if he decided not to.
Power and Corruption When in the wrong hands, power can be used as a weapon to exploit and belittle others. If power is misused, it usually leads to dire consequents, like in A Thousand Splendid Suns, where two women fall victim to those who control them. In the novel A Thousand Splendid Suns, Hosseini proves that once a person is promoted to a place of authority, he or she will inevitably become corrupted by the power that he or she holds. For power to hold any value, one must be able to generate fear and submission from his victims.
When somebody receives incredible power, they also receive a large burden of responsibility. Some people, such as Napoleon, disregard these responsibilities and become corrupt. In reality, we have seen this in leaders such as Stalin, who became corrupt once into power. In “Animal Farm”, Napoleon, a totalitarian pig, is a great example of how too much power is equal to corruption.
The mention of power reveals how quickly people become corrupted as their selfish greed overpowers them. It can be seen that excessive selfishness in individual goals to become superior over others negatively impacts the way a person acts. In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the protagonist who was once a loyal kinsman to the king of Scotland betrays his king under the influence of greed and gradually becomes an unmerciful leader. The character Macbeth is a perfect example of how quickly people change due to greed for power.
People have many different reactions when given power. The reaction is usually either one where they use power for a greater good and to guide others in a better situation, or they can misuse the power given and take advantage of the circumstances or others to make themselves feel even more dominant and in command. In the play, Antigone by Sophocles one of the main characters , King Creon, abuses his power to take superiority of others and in an attempt to gain control. The misuse of power is more frequent than the use of power for the favorable, even in many current events.
Many social problems existed back then. A social issue refers to an issue that influences and is opposed by a considerable number of individuals within a society. It is often created by others and is something out of an individual's. Shakespeare use his play The Tempest to comment on social issues that were present in his time. Shakespeare does so by implementing these problems into the play.
