The Tempest Comparative Essay

140 Words1 Pages
In conclusion, both plays demonstrate tension between what are implied to be wild and civilized realms. However, The Tempest is much more assertive in its consideration and the question of which character represents civility is much more predominant. Montaigne’s essay undoubtedly inspired Shakespeare’s sympathetic portrayal of Caliban as the isle’s peaceful native and Prospero is characterized throughout as a colonizer, thus questioning the legitimacy of what he deems “civilized”. Although King Lear too draws on tension between what is considered wild and civilized, the boundaries are blurred; it appears Shakespeare contrasts both location and characterization to emphasize the potential for corruptibility in both realms. Nonetheless, The Tempest