Dramatization of The Tempest: Law and Human Rights
Shakespeare’s drama, The Tempest, is a play that evokes controversy and can be read as morally ambiguous. The dynamics of power, wealth, law and human rights can be perceived differently depending on which character you empathize with. Through dramatizations presented by Group 2 on law, and Group 3 on human rights, we will explore these concepts as portrayed through scenes acted out in class. The concepts of law and human rights can be very subjective in the sense that they are representative of one character’s views, which creates a social dynamic of power relationships we see throughout the play; Prospero and Miranda, Prospero and Caliban, Prospero and Ferinand, Prospero and Ariel, and …show more content…
CALIBAN
O ho, O ho! Would’t had been done!
Thou didst prevent me; I had peopled else
This isle with Calibans.
We can see Caliban and Ariel are both Prospero’s slaves. Although Ariel is a sprit (magical) Prospero treats her as if she is human (Group 3 Notes). Caliban, a native to the island is treated like an animal. Both are denied basic human rights, as they are neither free from Prospero nor seen as equal to him.
Since Prospero is in power and others are in his servitude on the island, it makes sense that he would now force his idea of law onto others. Group 2 demonstrated this through the dramatization of Act 4.1, lines 13-23. The background chosen for this scene is a picture of a woman held by her father as he speaks to another man, affront a beach. In this scene a male plays Prospero, wearing a cape; Ferdinand is wearing a blue tattered shirt and slacks; Miranda is wearing a long dress. For blocking, Miranda is seated while Prospero addresses Ferdinand, both whom are standing. Both riveted by Prospero.
PROSPERO
Then, as my gift, and thine own acquisition
Worthily purchased, take my daughter. But
If thou dost break her virgin-knot before
All sanctimonious ceremonies may
With full and holy rite be
Shakespeare’s drama, The Tempest, is a play that evokes controversy and can be read as morally ambiguous. The dynamics of power, wealth, law and human rights can be perceived differently depending on which character you empathize with. Through dramatizations presented by Group 2 on law, and Group 3 on human rights, we will explore these concepts as portrayed through scenes acted out in class. The concepts of law and human rights can be very subjective in the sense that they are representative of one character’s views, which creates a social dynamic of power relationships we see throughout the play; Prospero and Miranda, Prospero and Caliban, Prospero and Ferinand, Prospero and Ariel, and …show more content…
CALIBAN
O ho, O ho! Would’t had been done!
Thou didst prevent me; I had peopled else
This isle with Calibans.
We can see Caliban and Ariel are both Prospero’s slaves. Although Ariel is a sprit (magical) Prospero treats her as if she is human (Group 3 Notes). Caliban, a native to the island is treated like an animal. Both are denied basic human rights, as they are neither free from Prospero nor seen as equal to him.
Since Prospero is in power and others are in his servitude on the island, it makes sense that he would now force his idea of law onto others. Group 2 demonstrated this through the dramatization of Act 4.1, lines 13-23. The background chosen for this scene is a picture of a woman held by her father as he speaks to another man, affront a beach. In this scene a male plays Prospero, wearing a cape; Ferdinand is wearing a blue tattered shirt and slacks; Miranda is wearing a long dress. For blocking, Miranda is seated while Prospero addresses Ferdinand, both whom are standing. Both riveted by Prospero.
PROSPERO
Then, as my gift, and thine own acquisition
Worthily purchased, take my daughter. But
If thou dost break her virgin-knot before
All sanctimonious ceremonies may
With full and holy rite be