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How Does Shakespeare Present The Power In The Tempest

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Recommended: How is power shown in the tempest

Arjun Agarwal
English 9
Dr. Fry
28 April 2023
The use of Speech to Oppose Power Structures
William Shakespeare depicts the power dynamics and social hierarchies in his play, The Tempest, through Caliban's strategic usage of iambic pentameter when speaking to nobility, as opposed to prose when speaking to the lower-class characters. His speech conveys his struggle for independence and self-determination from the conquerors, which demonstrates the theme of freedom and colonialism.
Caliban's usage of iambic pentameter when speaking to nobility in The Tempest demonstrates the power dynamics and social hierarchies at play in Shakespeare's play. This shows when Caliban speaks to Prospero, as he uses a more formal and structured language to assert …show more content…

Furthermore, Caliban implements a strategic use of iambic pentameter in order to gain the respect and recognition of those in power. He understands that his speech is a way to demonstrate his own intelligence and capability, and to challenge the stereotypes and prejudices imposed upon him as a native inhabitant of the island. As he challenges the power structures that oppress him, his language becomes more assertive and empowered. For instance, Caliban challenges Prospero's authority and demands his freedom, saying "This island's mine, by Sycorax my mother, / Which thou tak'st from me. When thou cam'st first, / Thou strok'st me and made much of me...And then I lov'd thee, / And show'd thee all the qualities o' th' isle" (1.2.331-341). Here, Caliban's use of iambic pentameter demonstrates his awareness of the power differential between him and Prospero, but also subverts the traditional power structures and asserts his own agency over Prospero. By adopting the language of his oppressors, Caliban …show more content…

Caliban offers to show Stephano and Trinculo the island's natural resources, saying, "I prithee, let me bring thee where crabs grow, / And I with my long nails will dig thee pig-nuts, / Show thee a jay's nest, and instruct thee how / To snare the nimble marmoset. I'll bring thee / To clustering filberts, and sometimes I'll get thee / Young scamels from the rock. Wilt thou go with me?" (2.2.162-168). This reflects his sense of isolation and disconnection from the world around him, as well as his struggle for independence from those who have oppressed him. Moreover, his willingness to share his knowledge with Stephano and Trinculo reflects his sense of isolation and desire for human connection. This interaction in The Tempest is a reflection of Caliban’s more base and animalistic qualities, as well as his sense of isolation and disconnection from the world around him. Here, Caliban's use of prose conveys his simplicity and his connection to the natural world, which contradicts the more formal and structured language he uses when speaking to Prospero. This is further displayed when Caliban speaks in verse as he talks about his connection to the island, saying, "Be not afeard. The isle is full of noises, / Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not. / Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments / will hum about mine ears; and

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