The Tempest Research Paper

Human Desire Freedom and the seek for power is a fundamental human need. It is the basic desire for all human beings. Freedom and power are so strongly sought after that it drives people to take certain actions such as betrayal, treason, or doing one’s bidding when they are deprived of them. These actions can be seen in Shakespeare's last play, The Tempest. In the play, all the characters who lack freedom and power seek to overthrow the ones who are in control. One character who seeks freedom in The Tempest is Prospero’s slave, Caliban. Caliban, in his pursuit of freedom, plots against his master. For instance, Caliban states, “with a log batter his skull, paunch him with a stake, cut his wezand with thy knife” (561, line 82-84). This demonstrates how he is finally fed up with living under Prospero’s ruthless rule and plans to murder him. However, in order to do so, Caliban goes to Stephano for help, “prithee, my king...do that good mischief which may make this island thine own...and I, thy Caliban...thy footlicker” (580, line 215). This illustrates Caliban goes to great length to gain freedom from Prospero …show more content…
Similar to Caliban, Sebastian plots with Antonio to murder the current king of Milan, “Draw thy sword. One stroke shall free thee from the tribute which thou payest, and I the King shall love thee” (544, line 285). Sebastian's thirst for power blinds him and causes him to bring harm to his own brother all for the crown upon his head. He is encouraged by Antonio to whom he says “I the king shall love thee”, meaning he will reward him handsomely for helping in the treason. Furthermore, Sebastian shows that he has no loyalty as he states, “Let’s take leave of him” (514, line 56) to Antonio during the shipwreck. This indicates that Sebastian was willing to betray and neglect his brother for