Essay written for extra work on the theme of colonialism 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 theme of colonialism appears in various forms throughout the story of Shakespeare's
"The Tempest." Prospero, the Duke of Milan, is the focus of the play. His brother Antonio
usurped his power and drove him to an island. Caliban, a native of the island who initially
resents Prospero's control over him, lives there. A group of shipwrecked passengers,
including Antonio and his crew, are also featured in the play. They are stranded on the
island and under Prospero's control.
Prospero's treatment of Caliban is one of the most prominent examples of colonialism in the
play. Prospero is quick to assert his power over Caliban, who is an island native. He is willing
to use force to control Caliban, describing him as a "monster" and "savage." This clearly
demonstrates how colonizers frequently marginalize and dehumanize native populations
they encounter.
Prospero's treatment of Ariel in the play is another example of colonialism. Prospero uses
Ariel, a spirit bound to his service, to exert control over the island's other inhabitants. The
way Prospero treats Ariel is similar to how colonizers frequently exploit native people for
their own benefit, taking advantage of their labor and resources.
Along with Antonio and his crew, the shipwrecked passengers also symbolize colonialism.
Similar to how colonizers frequently impose their will on the indigenous population, they
are stranded on the island and under the control of Prospero. The shipwreck is caused by a
storm that Prospero conjures up, which represents the destructive nature of colonial
expansion, and the play also emphasizes the idea that colonization is a violent and
destructive process.
In conclusion, Prospero's treatment of Caliban and Ariel, as well as the shipwrecked
passengers, all play into the theme of colonialism throughout "The Tempest." Shakespeare
explores the destructive nature of colonial expansion and the dehumanization of the native
population through these various forms of colonialism. Additionally, the play emphasizes
the idea that colonization is a violent and exploitative process, as well as the consequences
of colonizers' actions.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller khelan6. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $4.21. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
