The Postcolonial in The Tempest - Essay Example

?The Postcolonial in "The Tempest" ‘The Tempest’s one of the most famous dramas of William Shakespeare. The play imparts deep knowledge regarding thebackground of colonization to readers of all times. The play is believed to have intended to criticize the colonization and invasions of the 16th century. During that period, the Europeans entered into many new lands with specific motives. This colonialism was the worst activity as the outsider not only looted the natives but also tortured and persecuted them for no reason. The play clearly indicates the concept in a right manner, portraying the character of the master and slave. As this agony of slavery preceded the natives longed for freedom and liberty, they took initiatives to find other colonists who could resist the original colonists. This strategy could not help them to establish peace and harmony in the society, and even the natives would be more brutally enslaved and exploited. The captured or enslaved resembled Caliban who wanted to depend on a jester Trinculo and a drunken butler Stephano to kill his master Prospero to retake the ownership of this island. Shakespearean plays are highly associated with the then current issues of the society. To be precise, the play The Tempest clearly depicts the class structure of the era with Prospero being at the top, Ariel in the middle, and Caliban at the lower end. Many postcolonial characteristics are showed in the drama called ‘The Tempest’. Although all characters may not influence everyone, at least a few characteristics will have a kind of influence on the reader or viewer. The two characteristics that would touch every reader are “the master and the slave” and “The identity of postcolonial”. The master Prospero plays a significant role, making plots to protect his daughter and to avenge his enemies. Sarwoto purports, ‘Prospero lands on an island and enslaves a native inhabitant, Caliban, who is considered as savage and uncivilized’ (2). Prospero is the perfect example for overcoming weaknesses and strengthening qualities. On the other hand, Caliban is explained as a creature or savage and deformed slave. Moreover, Caliban is also promised to have liberty if everything goes well. The situation of Caliban is desperate that he is made to perform every action out of fear, out of compulsion and fear of master’s exceptional skill of magic in the plot. In addition, Ariel who contributes remarkably in his revenge is identified as an airy spirit, which serves the master Prospero in the magic performed in the island. She is also in great desire for freedom from the bondage as being enslaved by Prospero. The identity of Prospero is of high value as he was the Duke of Milan but was usurped by his own brother over a period of time. Therefore, no doubt that the master Prospero belongs to a higher class and race of Milan, identity of postcolonial class varies from one to the other, as the identity of Ariel and Caliban is entirely different and low class. They are well identified as the servants who long for freedom, connecting with the situation of natives, they are real sufferers. Master and slave is essential characteristic to describe the postcolonial. Prospero is the symbol of European colonial power. Caliban is one of the strongest symbols of post colonialism. Caliban, as a native of the land, experiences a most painful situation in his life, compelled to do all works forcefully and not willingly. And Ariel is the other example for this characteristic of post colonialism. Although she has exceptional power, she serves the master. Knowing the past shaping the life is very important, it shows the play that how the master and the slave have achieved success. At first, Prospero the master of the drama undergoes the greatest crisis in life that he is being overthrown by his own brother and banished. However, he does not give up, and he is an optimistic. He prepares his power for a long period of twelve years in the island and strengthens himself with the assistance of the slaves. Whereas, Ariel experiences a kind of liberation from the witch Sycorax with the help of Prospero who makes Ariel to obey and assist him in his plot. Moreover, Prospero has promised to release Ariel after the completion of the task. While the Caliban being the son of Sycorax, Prospero enslaves him after the death of Sycorax. Although he is dissatisfied with Prospero, he acts every order given by the master. It is the motivation, which instills a kind of enthusiasm to carry out the work in a perfect manner. William Shakespeare clearly illustrates this motivation by every action undertaken by them. The motive of Prospero is to regain his kingdom, which was usurped by his brother. He doesn’t only aim to have his region but also punish the enemies. At the same time, he feels sympathy and thus wants to forgive them. This is unique and unimaginable nature of Prospero, and the motivation inspires him to wait for long period of twelve years. As result, he was successful in realizing or fulfilling his motivation through different means and activities. Furthermore, Ariel has the motivation of getting liberation from Prospero therefore she performs every action obediently and with due respect. Finally, she was successful in obtaining freedom. However, Caliban wants to possess the island in any means for which he makes a conspiracy with Trinculo and Stephano to kill Prospero. And some of his speeches and behaviors reflect a kind of brutality and discomfort. Hence, without any doubt one can state that everyone will follow the motivation to do every action or inaction, and this motivation is clearly portrayed in the relationship of the master and slave as they co-operated each other in defeating the enemies. The relationship between the master and slave has little intimacy. In fact this relation is merely for the survival and attaining of individual goals. Therefore, it is obvious that they do every action in order to realize their ambition and target. This intentional relationship is apparent in every character. First, Prospero maintains an authoritarian relationship with Ariel and Caliban to gain supremacy over the land. He realized they could help him to punish Antonio and Sebastian who illegally captured the power and authority over the kingdom. Secondly, Ariel keeps a good relationship with the master Prospero and assists him to do every task. The primary factor influence on this relationship of Ariel is to experience liberation from the slavery. Apart from this, the relationship between Prospero and Caliban is not so comfortable. Caliban holds the concept that his master had captured his island. Moreover, Caliban is afraid of the magic power of Prospero, which is assisted by Ariel. Hence, Caliban seeks assistance and support from Trinculo and Stephano to kill Prospero. Therefore, these relationships are inseparably dependent on personal motives. Not any real sense of co-operation or understanding between the master and slave. The Tempest is an outstanding work by Shakespeare a pioneer in interconnecting the story and real life. And his exceptional skill is demonstrated trough different characters. The notable character is none other than Prospero. Enjoying the supreme power over them he utilizes them for the accomplishment of his task. Prospero proves that he is capable of overcoming the crisis in the plots. He controls Ariel and Caliban as he holds complete right over them and they can’t question him. Prospero being the head in island has got the privilege to reward and punish his servants or slaves. Moreover, he even makes every decision and executes it. He understands the different qualities of Ariel and Caliban thus making them on his track with the promised freedom at the end. Therefore, Prospero utilizes given opportunities and power, he witnesses an ultimate success in the plot. The second character Ariel is also an influential spirit. Although Prospero has the magical power, the ultimate hand behind every action is from Ariel. Ariel belongs to a middle class in the island just below Prospero who belongs to the high class. Even though Ariel possesses exceptional skills and mesmerizing qualities, she is destined to serve Prospero. The lower class servant Caliban was controlled by Ariel and Prospero. Moreover, some incidents reveal that Caliban is even afraid of Ariel. Being an airy spirit Ariel serves the master Prospero to accomplish his target, and she realizes that freedom can only be granted by Prospero. In order to receive this liberty she has to offer many of his qualities regardless of temporary benefits. Substantiating every step and plot undertaken by the master, Ariel turns to be an obedient slave. The motivation of release makes hers to accompany the master through the journey of adventures. Ultimately, the successful execution of plot by the master with the assistance of Ariel, and Ariel results in promised freedom. In other words, it can be said that Ariel enjoys a kind of deserved freedom, become she was faithful and obedient to his master. The identity of postcolonial Caliban is unique. William Shakespeare describes this character as ‘a savage and deformed slave’ or a giant malformed beast. And Caliban falls in the bottom class of the island. He is not so pleasant but in a negative manner. Since he is restricted all kinds of freedom, and most of the works are shouldered on Caliban. He gets no respect and acceptance in the island. Moreover, he often gets suppressed by the higher class, precisely by Prospero and Ariel. Comparatively he is a weaker category thereby fears the exceptional skills and powers of Prospero and Ariel. Often being irritated from the stage of slavery, he undertakes many plans to kill Prospero believing that Prospero conquered his island. The drama depicts a kind of different approach from Caliban to recapture his island. He realized that he alone couldn’t compete and defeat Prospero. He approaches Trinculo and Stephano to kill Prospero. But the play clearly shows that the attempt has gone in vain. Thus, Shakespeare gives a negative identity to Caliban in post colonialism. And all their identity is remarkable and “it is difficult to predict how critical readings and critical theories will shape The Tempest during the twenty-first century”3(Bloom and Heims 247). In conclusion, The Tempest is one of the ever-relevant concept dramas ever written by William Shakespeare. The real spirit of the play is achieved only when one realizes the context of the society and practices. It is also important to understand the characters and connecting them with the real social functioning. Shakespeare shows resemblance of all characters in the mere practice of colonization or post colonialism. Moreover, the drama is a mixture of comedy, tragedy, and action. It reflects that the uncivilized land is conquered by the Europeans in the form of colonization and treats the civilians without giving any respect. Finally, a rivalry is formed to reform the land and to bring an end to colonization. Works Cited Bloom, Harold and Heims, Neil (Eds.). The Tempest. Infobase Publishing, 2008. Print. McGinn, James E and McGinn, Jeanne, M. “A teachers’ guide to the Signet classic edition of Shakespeare’s The Tempest”. Web 26 July 2013 Sarwoto, Paulus. “The figuration of Caliban in the constellation of postcolonial theory”. Thesis. 2004. Web 26 July 2013 Read More