Slide 1: Introduction to Themes in The Tempest
Themes are the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a literary work. In The Tempest, several themes are explored through the characters and their actions.
- Justice and its illusions
- The difficulty of distinguishing "men" from "monsters"
- The allure of ruling a colony
- Obedience and disobedience
- Prospero’s threats
- The theme of treason
- Feelings of wonder and admiration
- Understanding monstrosity
Slide 2: The Illusion of Justice
The Tempest tells a straightforward story involving an unjust act—the usurpation of Prospero’s throne by his brother—and Prospero’s quest to re-establish justice by restoring himself to power. However, the idea of justice is subjective and largely represents Prospero’s view. He presents himself as a victim but shows hypocritical behavior by enslaving Ariel and Caliban.
- Justice: Prospero’s subjective view
- Hypocrisy: Enslaving Ariel and Caliban
- Moral Ambiguity: No higher order of justice
- Creativity: Prospero as an author
- Resolution: Prospero forgives, releases slaves, relinquishes magic
Slide 3: Distinguishing “Men” from “Monsters”
Upon seeing Ferdinand for the first time, Miranda remarks on the limited number of men she has seen. Prospero and Miranda have contradictory views of Caliban’s humanity. Prospero claims Caliban is inherently brutish, while Caliban argues he was kind until imprisoned by Prospero. The play leaves Caliban’s nature ambiguous, balancing his eloquent speeches with degrading behavior.
- Humanity: Miranda and Prospero’s views on Caliban
- Ambiguity: Caliban’s nature
- Degradation: Caliban’s behavior
- Monstrosity: Cruel voyeurism
Slide 4: The Allure of Ruling a Colony
The nearly uninhabited island presents a sense of infinite possibility. Characters like Prospero, Sycorax, Caliban, Gonzalo, and Stephano see the island as a place of freedom and potential. However, their colonial aspirations are often undercut by the play’s tone, which criticizes the urge to rule and be ruled.
- Possibility: Island’s potential
- Colonial Aspirations: Prospero, Sycorax, Caliban, Gonzalo, Stephano
- Criticism: Play’s tone
- Colonial Impulse: Urge to rule and be ruled
Slide 5: Prospero’s Threats
Prospero’s threats demonstrate his innate violence and cruelty, often directed at his servants. His threats typically contain elements of magic and link him to other tyrannical figures, showing his cruel and domineering nature.
- Violence: Directed at servants
- Magic: Element in threats
- Tyranny: Link to other figures
- Nature: Cruel and domineering
Slide 6: Obedience and Disobedience
The themes of obedience and disobedience underscore the island’s hierarchy of power. Prospero demands obedience from his subjects, including his servants and daughter, who at some point all disobey him. These complexities suggest that the island’s hierarchy is less stable than it appears.
- Hierarchy: Power on the island
- Obedience: Demanded by Prospero
- Disobedience: By subjects
- Complexity: Unstable hierarchy
Slide 7: Treason
The theme of treason is woven throughout The Tempest, starting with Antonio’s conspiracy to overthrow Prospero. Twin assassination plots arise during the play, with characters plotting against Prospero and Alonso. Although these plots are interrupted, the theme of treason remains, suggesting potential future strife.
- Treason: Antonio’s conspiracy
- Assassination: Plots against Prospero and Alonso
- Interruption: Plots are foiled
- Future Strife: Potential for more treason
Slide 8: Wonder and Admiration
The themes of wonder and admiration center on Miranda, whose name means both “wonderful” and “admirable.” Her optimism symbolizes hope for new beginnings. However, wonder can also have a negative connotation, as the island’s occurrences can confuse and disorient, concealing truth for manipulation.
- Wonder: Centered on Miranda
- Optimism: Symbol of hope
- Negative Connotation: Confusion and manipulation
- Truth: Concealed by wonderful occurrences
Slide 9: Monstrosity
The theme of monstrosity contrasts with wonder and admiration. While Miranda embodies beauty and love, Caliban represents monstrosity, often viewed as a freak. His monstrosity derives from his appearance and behavior, and the contrast between his savage looks and civilized language.
- Monstrosity: Contrasts with wonder
- Caliban: Represents monstrosity
- Appearance: Savage looks
- Language: Civilized speech