Part B: Prospero as a ruler Flashcards
Prospero is the rightful ruler of the island and Milan
Traditional view
Prospero deserves to be the ruler of the island
Critic to support traditional view
“Prospero puts himself in the position of Ariel, Caliban, Ferdinand and other shipwrecked victims” (Orgel)
in the epilogue
Moment to support traditional view
Epilogue - Prospero forgives everyone
- He is kind and and cares about the people on the island
- Apologises
Two productions that support traditional view
1669: Dryden and Davedent
- Less magic
- Don’t show his control/power
1981: Prospero was depicted as a modern day scientist of genius who could pass for Einstein
- Highlights his power and that he is above all else
Modern view
Prospero is not the rightful ruler, he is viewed as a coloniser
Critic to support modern view
“Prospero has an internal struggle between omnipotence and humanity”
(Dymkowski)
- He cannot choose morality over his magic as he wants to use it to control people
- He knows it is wrong
Moment to support modern view
Taking advantage if Caliban throughout the play
- “A freckled whelp, hag born - not honoured with human shape”
- He treats him brutally and views him as a primitive native to the land - colonialism
Two productions that support modern
1999: West Yorkshire Playhouse
- Ian Mckellen appeared on stage at the beginning clutching dolls representing enemies
- He dreams if revenge using the power and status he has stolen
2011: Cheek by Jowl Production:
- Prospero held a knife to Antonio’s throat at the end and he could hardly bare to take it away
- Highlights his evil and the extent he has let leadership poison his mind
