Like in the times of William Shakespeare himself, The Tempest is filled with an abundance of power struggles between the social classes of society, especially in the form of forced labor. Power is what the majority of the characters hope to obtain, and most will do almost anything to get it. Prospero, the antagonist, goes as far as to control the other characters, not only through magic, but also through his manipulation and persuasion over them, forcing the others to do things at his will. Characters like Ariel, Caliban, and even Ferdinand follow Prospero’s instructions because he is seen as the dominant power structure. Through forced labor and the use of slavery, Prospero’s control is able to increase and become stronger, however, because
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It was something that was produced in the past, yet still evident in the present. The way Prospero treats his inferiors and how he keeps control over them, represents the attitudes the dominant rulers had towards those in lower ranks, both in the play itself but also in the time period of Shakespeare. As J.K. Rowling says, “If you want to know what a man’s like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals” (Rowling 525). There are many examples throughout the play of Prospero and his control over others and his feelings towards them. Ariel and Caliban are both ranked lower than Prospero and are forced to do his bidding. Prospero sees them as tools to achieve his goal of unlimited power and control. They are a means to an end. Prospero uses his skill and prowess in manipulation and persuasion to get Caliban and Ariel to do what he wants and when he wants it. However there is a huge difference in the relationships these characters have with Prospero himself. Unlike Caliban, Ariel is more willing to do the bidding of Prospero because she believes she owes him something. Even though she might not like him, Prospero saved her life and will do his work until she can be set free again. In a way they have true ties, unlike Caliban who owes Prospero nothing. The relationship between Prospero and Caliban is the epitome of owner and slave. Caliban has been manipulated to do things against his will, which later results in
It was something that was produced in the past, yet still evident in the present. The way Prospero treats his inferiors and how he keeps control over them, represents the attitudes the dominant rulers had towards those in lower ranks, both in the play itself but also in the time period of Shakespeare. As J.K. Rowling says, “If you want to know what a man’s like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals” (Rowling 525). There are many examples throughout the play of Prospero and his control over others and his feelings towards them. Ariel and Caliban are both ranked lower than Prospero and are forced to do his bidding. Prospero sees them as tools to achieve his goal of unlimited power and control. They are a means to an end. Prospero uses his skill and prowess in manipulation and persuasion to get Caliban and Ariel to do what he wants and when he wants it. However there is a huge difference in the relationships these characters have with Prospero himself. Unlike Caliban, Ariel is more willing to do the bidding of Prospero because she believes she owes him something. Even though she might not like him, Prospero saved her life and will do his work until she can be set free again. In a way they have true ties, unlike Caliban who owes Prospero nothing. The relationship between Prospero and Caliban is the epitome of owner and slave. Caliban has been manipulated to do things against his will, which later results in