Tempest Quotes Flashcards
Themes - justice - freedom - human nature vs nature - revenge and forgiveness - power
Power/control: ‘WCTRFTNOK?’
(Boatswain)
Boatswain explains the waves of the tempest do not obey kings.
‘What cares these roars for the name of king?’
Terminology: Rhetorical question, foreshadowing, hyperbole
Analysis: Subversion of social order, the Boatswain has more power and influence on the boat than Alonso.
Critic(s): (Plotinus - Neoplatonist philosopher) ‘great chain of being’ details the fragility of social authority and that social construct are ephemeral. Nature operates with no consideration of human pretences of power.
(Contemporary) The theme of power and authority resonates with the contemporary Renaissance audience.
Shakespeare’s intent: political instability, with the tempest symbolic of downfall and restoration of power (natures power over humankind). Though ironic given the tempest was orchestrated by Prospero’s manipulation of the supernatural. Furthermore, his intention was to ridicule human concerns for status and gravity of political authority.
Final message: limitations of human nature in opposition with nature (embodied by the sea)
Power (humans)/ magic: ‘Imo.Haiospiwcmd’g.’
(Caliban)
Caliban fears Prospero’s power.
‘I must obey. His art is of such power it would control my dam’s god.’
Terminology: Personal pronouns, imperatives, Caesura, hyperbole, dramatic irony.
Analysis: Caliban’s forced submission to Prospero and lack of autonomy. Despite initial resistance and rebellion to Prospero’s subjugation, Caliban resigned to Prospero’s authority, recognising his control over the supernatural as an undeniable force.
Despite his rebellious nature, Caliban is ultimately resigned to Prospero’s authority because he recognizes that Prospero’s magical abilities.
(Colonialism) Caliban’s usurpation as ruler of the Island is ironic considering Prospero was usurped as Duke of Milan. hypocrisy of the western world. Prospero’s conquest of the island is a conquest of land (nature), population/ inhabitants (humanity) and the supernatural (Sycorax/Ariel). Imperialisms I therefore characterised a invasive and condemned (challenging Jacobean attitudes)
Shakespeare’s intentions: Prospero’s unnatural control of a diety resonates with Jacobean attitudes towards the supernatural. Prospero’s manipulation of the island’s spirits is characterised as malevolent and disgraceful.
Final message: social commentary on colonialism. Prospero’s oppression and manipulation of magic parallels colonialists cultural assimilation (control of language etc).
Power of nature vs humanity: ‘yctets’
‘you command these elements to silence’
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Shakespeare’s intentions:
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