The Emergence Of A Sizeable Working Class

Despite the fact that William Shakespeare was born centuries before Karl Marx developed his theories, several parallels can be drawn between Shakespeare’s and Marx’s times. Whereas in the nineteenth century the emergence of a sizeable working class, or “proletariat,” prompted Marx to shun the controlling “bourgeois” capitalists, in Shakespearean England a highly stratified society caused those in a position of power to hold a similar disdain for the peasants and farmers (Palmer 522). Without industrialization and factories, terms like “proletariat” and “bourgeois” can hardly be applied to the socioeconomics of sixteenth century England; nevertheless, the bare essence of Marxism – the tension and struggle among classes – is germane to virtually

As the controllers of all of the capital, the bourgeois – or landowners in the case of sixteenth century England – do not give the peasants access to books or knowledge outside of occupational training and folklore passed on by friends and relatives. Further, because the proletariat has no access to higher knowledge, they do not have the power to overcome the bourgeois in any way besides direct force. This fact can be clearly seen when Caliban spells out his plans to Stephano and Trinculo. Although he does instruct the pair to “batter his skull, or paunch him with a stake,” he ensures they understand that they must “first seize his books” (3.2.87-88). Whereas the English landowners control the means of production, Prospero controls the spirits of the island and consequently derives his power from the knowledge necessary to hold these spirits’ attention and loyalty. Caliban, uncharacteristically wise in this moment, can easily identify Prospero’s source of strength as it is the one thing he lacks the most. However, Caliban’s intent is not to secure Prospero’s unique powers for himself. Rather, as O’Dair states in her book, Caliban desires “something more elemental; he wants the knowledge that enslaves human beings erased from the earth” (36). Here, Caliban represents the core element of populist philosophy: the ultimate resentment for the upper

If one looks beyond the surface of the play and examines the subtext, it is easy to see how Caliban truly is portrayed with sympathy. However, the conclusion of The Tempest surprisingly derails the entirety of the play’s development. The point when Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo are captured marks the steep decline of the play’s working class’s fortune. At this juncture, Prospero begins forgiving everyone for their wrongdoings and ultimately regains his former position as Duke. Although multiple subplots had previously been developing, Prospero is able to simultaneously end them all and establish his uncontested power. Caliban, in an uncharacteristically obsequious manner, pledges his loyalty to Prospero and begs his forgiveness. As the entire play up until this point had shown the working class slowly gaining power in preparation of overthrowing the bourgeois, the resolution of the play is unsatisfying at