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Summary The theme of freedom in William Shakespeare's "The Tempest"
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Essay summarizing and giving an in-depth analysis of the theme of freedom that runs through William Shakespeare's "The Tempest"
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The theme of freedom in "The Tempest"The theme of freedom is a prominent one in William Shakespeare's play, "The Tempest". The
characters of the play are all struggling to assert their independence, find their own identity, and
escape the shackles of oppression. Throughout the play, the characters' attempts to achieve freedom
are intertwined with the themes of power, control, and colonization. In this essay, we will examine the
representation of freedom in "The Tempest" and the various ways in which it is expressed by the
characters.
One of the most prominent examples of the theme of freedom in "The Tempest" is seen in the
character of Prospero. Prospero was once the Duke of Milan but was deposed and marooned on the
island by his brother, Antonio. Throughout the play, Prospero is determined to regain his power and
freedom by using his mastery of magic to control the other characters on the island. His initial use of
magic is an attempt to secure his own freedom and restore his status as the Duke of Milan. However,
as the play progresses, Prospero's focus on gaining power begins to shift towards a desire for
forgiveness and redemption. This shift is seen in his eventual release of Ariel and Caliban from his
control and his willingness to forgive those who wronged him.
Another character who struggles for freedom in "The Tempest" is Caliban. Caliban is the indigenous
inhabitant of the island who was enslaved by Prospero. Throughout the play, Caliban is constantly
seeking a way to escape Prospero's control and assert his independence. This is seen in his interactions
with Stephano and Trinculo, who he hopes will help him overthrow Prospero and claim the island as
his own. Despite his initial attempts to free himself, Caliban is unable to escape the control of
Prospero and remains a slave throughout the play.
The theme of freedom is also represented in the character of Miranda. Miranda is Prospero's daughter
and has lived her entire life on the island. Despite her sheltered upbringing, Miranda is a symbol of
hope and innocence in the play. She is fascinated by the human world and longs to escape the
isolation of the island. Her desire for freedom is seen in her relationship with Ferdinand, the prince of
Naples, whom she falls in love with. Despite her father's attempts to control her, Miranda is able to
assert her independence and marry Ferdinand, thereby escaping the confines of the island.
In addition to the characters, the island setting itself is also a representation of freedom. The island is
a place of isolation and escape, where the characters are free from the constraints of society and
civilization. The island is a place of both beauty and danger, where the characters are free to pursue
their desires and dreams, but are also at risk of being consumed by the forces of nature. The island is a
microcosm of the world, a place where the characters can escape from the constraints of civilization
and find their own independence.
Finally, the theme of freedom is expressed through the use of music and song in "The Tempest". The
songs and dances in the play are a celebration of freedom and release, providing a momentary escape
from the limitations of reality. The songs and dances also serve to emphasize the theme of freedom by
highlighting the characters' desires and dreams. In "The Tempest", music is used as a tool of escape, a
way for the characters to break free from their constraints and find a moment of peace and joy.
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