Essay on Giving Voice to the Voiceless in The Tempest
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Course
English Home Language
Institution
12th Grade
Essay written for extra work on the theme of Giving Voice to the Voiceless in The Tempest.
Note: the essay was a practice essay submitted to a teacher prior to studying quotes and hence, it focuses predominantly on the theme and not the quotes.
The character Caliban prominently exemplifies the theme of giving voice to the voiceless in
Shakespeare's "The Tempest." Caliban, a native of the island where the play takes place, is
frequently portrayed as a wild and barbaric being. However, as the play progresses, it
becomes clear that Caliban is a complex and intelligent being who has been oppressed and
silenced by Prospero, the play's protagonist.
The character of Caliban is a representation of the oppressed, voiceless, and marginalized
members of society. Throughout the play, Caliban is spoken for by Prospero, who uses him
as a tool for his own gain. He is denied the ability to speak for himself. Caliban is viewed as
an object to be used and controlled rather than a person with his own thoughts, feelings,
and desires.
However, Caliban begins to assert himself and demand authority as the play progresses. He
speaks out against Prospero's oppression and defies Prospero's control, giving the voiceless
a voice. He expresses his desire for autonomy and self-determination by calling for justice
and freedom.
The character of Ariel, an airy spirit who is also oppressed by Prospero, emphasizes this
concept even more. Like Caliban, Prospero uses Ariel as a tool, but he also denies Ariel
agency and a voice. However, as the play progresses, Ariel joins Caliban in giving voice to the
voiceless and starts to assert himself and demand freedom.
Shakespeare stresses the significance of speaking up for oppressed and silenced individuals
in "The Tempest." The play serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to
and supporting those who have been marginalized and that everyone has the right to be
heard and to have agency. Shakespeare demonstrates, through the characters Caliban and
Ariel, that for true equality and justice, the voiceless must be given a platform to speak and
be heard.
In conclusion, "The Tempest" is a play about giving those without voices a voice. The
characters Caliban and Ariel serve as a reminder that everyone has the right to be heard, to
be in control, and that it's important to support and listen to those who have been left out.
It is a call to action for all of us to actively look for the voices that have been silenced and
help them fight for freedom and justice.
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