Utopian Society in Shakespeares The Tempest :: essays research papers

The study of Shakespeares The Tempest raises many questions as to its interpretation. Many reckon that this fly the coop shows Shakespeares views on the colonization of the impertinent world whereas separates believe that this is a play astir(predicate) the ever tortuous Utopian Society. I believe that this is a play about the European views of society and savagery at that time. I also believe that, if this is true, the play doesnt portray a conventional view of subjective peoples. Shakespeare shows this by having Prospero, the rightful duke of Milan and Usurping ruler of the island, call Caliban, A devil, a innate(p) devil on whose nature nurture can never devil but then having Miranda, Prosperos daughter, say I pitied thee, took pains to pull back thee speak, taught thee each hour one thing or another.Prospero is saying that Caliban is a savage who can not be educated, yet we hear that Miranda has taught him to speak, amongst other things. This gives a conflicting view ove r the character of Caliban. Is he an risky savage or is he a normal human organism?The treatment of Caliban could be seen as a representation of the colonisation of the refreshed world, (The Americas) and the treatment of the native Americans. However, the critic Meradith Anne Skura believes the opposite, We have no external indicate that seventeenth century audiences thought the play referred to the new world. This interpretation of the play places more emphasis upon the character of the spirit Ariel, who could also be considered as a native of the island. Prospero frees Ariel from a tree and then enslaves the spirit to do his bidding under the promise of total freedom.Calibans main livery (1.2.331-344) reveals the nature of his enslavement and treatment, Here you sty me in this hard rock, whiles you do keep me from the reprieve othisland. Though it is not clear, it seems to me as though Prospero has imprisoned Caliban in a cave and is keeping him from the rest of the island. The reason for this treatment is much clearer , as Prospero tells us, I have utilise thee, filth as thou art, with human care, and lodged thee in mine admit cell, till thou didst seek to violate the honour of my child. This tells us that Caliban has act to rape Miranda at some point and that Prospero treated Caliban much crack before the attempted rape occurred.