THe Tempest
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- "All men are created equal" is one of the declarations that American culture is built on. This declaration means that all men no matter of race, religion, or creed are equals in the eyes of society, as well as the law. This was not always true in history, especially not in Shakespeare's day and age. During this time, society had levels of classification where men were considered "superior" to other men. Shakespeare gives us a taste of this hierarchical culture through his play The Tempest. He shows us how "superior" men perceived themselves in contrast to lesser beings due to their race, financial status, and gender. We also are shown those who had reason to feel superior yet treated others equally and with the respect due to them. The Tempest reflects Shakespeare's society through the relationship between characters, especially between Prospero and Caliban. Caliban, who was the previous king of the island, is taught how to be "civilized" by Prospero and his daughter Miranda. Then he is forced to be their servant. Caliban explains "Thou strok'st me and make much of me; wouldst give me Water with ber
Their feelings are clear in Sebastian's words "Twas a sweet marriage, and we prosper well in our return. In these two characters, Shakespeare is saying that not all men are egotistical and perceive themselves above others. We should have learned that all men truly are equal and should be treated accordingly. And for Miranda, Prospero show how he considers his only daughter as he states "Then, as my gift, and thine own acquisition Worthily purcas'd, take my daughter. Our culture is over three-hundred years older than that of Shakespeare, which should make our society more mature in its actions and attitude. The nobles had servants and commoners who worked for them. We see their sense of superiority by how they refer to Caliban "Servant-Monster, drink to me"(III,ii,3). It's commonly believed that the people of "inferior" races or monetary status will get picked over for jobs or other discriminatory acts will be performed against them. From being unjustly treated, Caliban thinks himself inferior to Prospero's race. "(III,ii,22-23) and "Thou shalt be lord of it, and I'll serve thee"(III,ii,56). Because of many years of inferior treatment, many people feel they either can not succeed or that it will be more difficult for them than those of the "right" race or financial bracket. "(I,i,43-45) These men were of the same skin color, hair texture, and eye color, but were treated inferior due to their financial status and "inferior" blood line. We see by this that Caliban truly believes himself inferior even though his own intellect surpasses that of Stepheno and Triniculo.
Common topics in this essay:
Stepheno Triniculo,
PHuCK SCHooL,
Miranda Prospero,
Caliban Caliban,
Boatswain Hang,
Queen NaplesIii450-452,
Caliban Servant-Monster,
Antonio Boatswain,
Prince Naples,
Dukes Earls,
financial status,
considered superior,
boatswain sailors,
stepheno triniculo,
treated inferior,
race financial,
themselves superior,
treated equally,
miranda prospero,
relationship characters,
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Acceptance Essays
