Essay On Colonialism In The Tempest - 1624 Words

As Shakespeare’s final play, The Tempest, holds phenomenal value. In his writing, Shakespeare often included contemporary issues of his time. In Hamlet, for example, the idea of a King dying was an important notion. This was drawn from the belief that a King got his authority from God, so if he died nature would become unbalanced and disturbed. In The Tempest, he included his supportive views of colonialism into his writing. Centuries later, Aimà © Cà ©saire made an adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, to create a direct critique of colonialism’s effects. Although both writers present viewpoints in regards to colonialism, Cà ©saire’s adaptation, â€Å"A Tempest†, possesses a better argument supportive of the author’s views. Cà ©saire’s, â€Å"A†¦show more content†¦In an acting of mocking, Prospero tells Caliban; â€Å"Cannibal would suit you† (page 20 Cà ©saire). A more contemporary audience, like that of wh ich Cà ©saire is aiming towards, would be much more likely to recognize the relationship between the words Caliban and cannibal being so casually used in the play. Thus, the usage of overemphasizing this irony helps critique the absurdity behinds its origins, and then to critique the treatment of indigenous colored people as a whole. This attack on racism and derogative representations towards indigenous people, help exacerbate Cà ©saire’s critique. One of the biggest ways Cà ©saire attempts to make Caliban sympathetic is in the beginning of Act 3. In act 3 of A Tempest, Caliban breaks an important literary element and tradition of plays during Shakespearian time, Caliban breaks the fourth wall. This is something Shakespeare never would have attempted. Caliban speaks directly to the audience, which helps establish a connection between the character and the audience. This technique is a brilliant was to support her claims, since Shakespeare would have considered this act a taboo. This is, therefore, another example of dramatic irony that the audience would have picked up on. Additionally, Cà ©saire strays away from Shakespeare through having the cast wear masks. As a result, this would help the audience be disassociated and alienated to the characters, to an extent. Consequently, as aShow MoreRelated The Theme of Colonialism in Shakespeares Tempest Essay example2636 Words   |  11 Pages The Tempest, by Shakespeare, offers t he reader a variety of themes. The one theme that stands out the most is that of colonialism. During the time of Shakespeare, many European countries such as Spain, France, and England, were expanding their borders by taking over less developed countries, referred to as colonies. During this time of exploitation, there was skepticism concerning the possible success of the colonies. 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The conquerors in both stories disregard the natives believing that they are working towards the greaterRead More European Colonization in Shakespeares The Tempest Essay1279 Words   |  6 PagesNo Critique of European Colonization in The Tempest      Since the 1960s, several critics have found a critique of colonialism in their respective readings of Shakespeares The Tempest. The most radical of these analyses takes Prospero to be a European invader of the magical but primitive land that he comes to rule, using his superior knowledge to enslave its original inhabitants, most notably Caliban, and forcing them to do his bidding. 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The story of The Tempest tells the tale of Prospero, a fallen duke forced to live on a desolate island in exile. He intends to regain his dukedom and seek revenge upon those who wronged him. During his time on the island, Prospero masters the power of illusionRead MoreThe Selfish Act Of Colonialism : A Nascent Of English Colonialism1741 Words   |  7 PagesOn answering the question, â€Å"To what extent is The Tempest â€Å"about† nascent English colonial?† I would say that this Shakespearean play is completely a nascent of English colonialism, because it’s plot is based around colonialism. The story describes white men inhabiting an island and proceed to fight for control, without any input by the natives. What makes this a story specifically about nascent English colonialism is the alluding fact that humans are power hungry, which will prove to be true within