Tempest Critics Flashcards
Bowen: social hierarchies are ‘unnatural constructs, and one of which, crucially, vulnerable to outside forces’
‘obliquely criticises King James’
Power/ authority/ control/ magic. Humanity vs nature.
Modern critic.
Argues that the depiction of political instability conveys society’s ephemerality when opposed by nature.
Shakespeare’s intent: criticise the current social construct, and draw awareness to humanity’s futile struggle and contention with powerful external forces, like nature.
This however, understates the dangers of Prospero’s distortion of the natural world, whilst condemning his unnatural actions, the critical impact of coercing the supernatural remains unaddressed by critic Bowen.
Quotes: ‘What cares these roarers for the name of king?’(Boatswain)
‘I must obey. His art is of such power it would control my dam’s god.’ (Caliban)
Bowen: Prospero has learnt the virtue of ‘mercy and reconciliation’
Redemption, Forgiveness, Virtues
Modern/ Christian critic.
States the importance of Christianity in guiding humanity whereby Prospero is only readmitted into society and released from exile once he repents and embraces Christian virtues.
Quotes: ‘
Bowen: Shakespeare’s ‘ambiguous picture of colonialism and the position of women in society’
‘subtle but arch Machiavellian, using his daughter as part of his political game.’
Position of women/ power/ authority/ love (familial).
Modern critic.
Scrutinises Prospero’s monopolisation of Miranda, which is symbolic of the role of women throughout the play. Miranda is continuously objectified and defined by her reproductive capabilities
Quotes: ‘populated the isle with Calibans’
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Micaelo Di Forti: ‘religious allegory, conveying the idealology that sin redeemed leads to virtue: shown in Porspero’s virtuous journey.’
Forgiveness, retention.
Contemporary critic.
Didactic of
