Introduction
The Tempest is a play that was written by Shakespeare. When this play was written, it was not instantaneously known as the work of post-colonial theatre as know today. However, after a careful look at the native island such as Caliban conflicting with settlers like Prospero, it is clear that there are features of post-colonialism that run throughout the play. This paper will explore some of the elements of the post-colonialism presented in The Tempest. Some of these elements that the paper shall exclusively look at include Prospero declaring himself as a leader of a strange island.
Discussion
On reading the tempest book, it is clear that Shakespeare was inspired by some events that happened during the colonial time of America. For instance, in America, colonization started in 1584 and during this time, there was exploration in North America, though this excursion eventually failed. In 1610, Jamestown colony was established in Virginia, resulting to Sea Adventure been destined for the New World’s shores. This plan was also not successful because the vessel was stranded off in the Bermuda coast of Bermuda, and all survivors were rescued. In my own view, this is one of the key events that could have inspired Shakespeare. This event not only strengthened and inspired Shakespeare’s post-colonial theory, but also presented a good example of New Historicism. In addition, the events presented a popular, theoretical approach of a text.
Of all the characters in this play, Prospero has been the most notable figure especially in the post-colonialist theatre. Prospero’s name sounds close to ‘prosperity’, signifying his education and character. However, there is no way to prove his financial wealth even as ship-bushed on an island. On early of the play, we learn that Prospero is well educated but not in the customary studies. Despite the fact that he is an apparent leader of the island, Prospero states: “The government I cast upon my brother and to my state grew stranger, being transported and rapt in secret studies”. (I.ii p. 74 – 76). In this statement, he not only apprises Miranda (her daughter) about his past, but also informs the audience that he left as a Duke of Milan and then took studies in a relative confinement.
Prospero-reiterates, the same point, again when he was speaking of kindness bestowed upon him by Gonzalo. He says Gonzalo knew he loved his studies and he furnished him from his own library with volumes that prized above his dukedom. (I.ii 169 – 171). Here, the way Prospero almost consumes his interest in studies is a reflection of the Holy Roman Emperor that ruled during the time. A good example is Rudolf II of Austria. This emperor ruled from 1576 until 1612 when he died. The similarity between the two that shows an element of post-colonialism is the fact that Rudolf also studied books of an occult nature and neglected his duties just like Prospero. Rudolf II of Prague is rumored to have wanted to retire from his career and from public life. Another similar thing between the two that portrays an element of post-colonialism is when Rudolf lost control of Hungary to his younger brother, Matthias who was more ambitious in 1605. ” (p. 183). On the other hand, just like Rudolf, Prospero and Antonio (younger brother) were faced with the same. These two elements are not the only ones that explore post-colonialism in the tempest. Rudolf II is also said to have been interested in alchemy and astrology. He also had a passion for every possible means of enlarging his personal power. On the other hand, Prospero has displayed an interest in witchcraft and he has in many incidences taken advantage of his magical powers in undoing his enemies. James I is also said to have quite amicable similarities with Rudolph II. James I dedicated his statist pamphlet Rudolf II who in return sent him gifts. In this case, James I would thus warm very well the character of Prospero. This is because he would be a noble character and an old friend who perhaps would favor the play greatly.
Thomas Whittaker is another scholar who studied the occult in 1884 and wrote about Giordano Bruno. Bruno is said to have received a subsidy from Rudolf II for his work. However, Bruno was later burned in 1600 at stake in the Campo di Fiora. This followed after several years of imprisonment because of his unusual, peculiar teachings and beliefs. On the other hand, in The Tempest Sycorax was in the beginning banished to the island by Algiers (the ruler). What could be seen as a post-colonial approach is the fact that the island Prospero inhabited takes in magic as a significant feature of this new society. Prospero is seen as someone living a very different way of life from the normal world. In this case, Prospero took some influence from the supernatural background the natives. Even Caliban (son of the witch Sycorax) is treated as a slave is still and thus has a magical streak to him. Despite the fact that Sycorax died several years ago before this play, it is said that her death was due to she magically imprisoned Ariel. This is an element of post-colonialism because Prospero was the one who aggressively started practicing magic. He stated practicing magic on the island with an objective of freeing the spirit, and, therefore, making the island became sorcery place.
Caliban and have no other world they can call home, but the island they inhabit. The two have been put under outsider Prospero’s service. For instance, Caliban is a slave whereas Ariel is a servant. Caliban was not exactly treated as a slave: he was been punished after an attempt to rape Miranda. Prospero may sounds prosperity, but Caliban sounds cannibal, in addition to his vicious persona. This is occult off-shoot and secretive Hebrew Scriptures. Although Caliban is portrayed as a son of a witch, he nevertheless does not have any mystic powers like Ariel, making him less useful to Prospero. Both characters differ in character colossally, and Ariel has a special affiliation with Prospero. This is clear in the way both they converse with each other. For instance, in act one scene two (line 317) Prospero whispers to Ariel’s ear. This is show of trust with that Prospero has by been physically close to Aerial, something he does not share with Caliban.
Caliban appeared on stage as a black actor for the first time in 1970s. This shows the concern of slavery to an audience in addition to dealing with post-colonialism in an actual world setting. His appears on stage gave the play a new light for audiences and had a definite impact in many fields. First, it has impact on literature as stated by James W. Coleman in “Black Male Fiction and the Legacy of Caliban (2001)” book: in the recent past, black male postmodern novels are mainly talking about oppressive power of Western Calibanic treatise in the primary unconscious story. The core issue of not only slavery but the way Caliban was treatment in a much uncivilized way throughout the play. This can be assumed to be Western perspective because Caliban already understood communication but Miranda decided to “take pains to make thee speak” (p. 120). This is to mean that in Miranda’s own language, Caliban was civilized enough and could to learn another. The things that we see happening to Caliban are a good example of the hybrid. Despite the fact that he is a savage and from another origin from that of Prospero, his language has passed from Miranda to Caliban. Therefore, even though he is a slave, he can speak fluently. According to Martin Orkin and Ania Loomba report in 1998, this is not unusual in the miniature of the island but with actual colonies. Masters of colonial have enacted their value system in Shakespeare. In response, Shakespeare colonized people by answering back in his accents. Disgracefully, Caliban admits that Prospero has taught him his language but to benefiting himself when cursing and threatening him. This show is an element of post-colonialism that has ruled the book.
Conclusion
This paper has exclusively explored several elements of post-colonialism that have been portrayed in The Tempest boo. The paper has provided several examples of post-colonialism that can be related to the book. Rudolf II and James 1 are some of the rulers who had the same characteristics as Prospero which have features of post-colonialism. Lastly, the essay has a special relationship Prospero had with Aerial and resented Caliban.
