A Deeper Understanding of the Cast

             When making a decision to view a movie, read a book, or indulge in a scholar's critique and perception of a work of art, what is it that drives one to make that verdict? The decision could be one based off a recommendation, however, most explore these activities in order to let their imagination flare and explore a brave new world. In William Shakespeare's play called The Tempest, so many elements are left to the imagination. It is the job of the reader to take Shakespeare's description of the setting and the characters, and completely bring them to life in one's mind. Now when one wants to look at something in depth, the individual will turn to secondary sources about the subject. These allow the audience to read between the lines, and observe details and interesting facts not apparent at first sight. This paper is about how two essays by scholars of Shakespeare (Dabydeen and Coursen) changed or altered my perception of Caliban and Prospero in The Tempest.
             The first essay that I will be referencing to the play is one by David Dabydeen. It is entitled Hogarth and the Canecutter. This essay explores how William Hogarth's painting a "Scene from the Tempest" gives the reader a better understanding and image of Caliban, a very important character in The Tempest. The second essay that is referenced to The Tempest is one by H.R. Coursen entitled Prospero. This essay explores the positive, soft side of Prospero. It also sheds light on other connections related to Prospero's magic that may not be prevalent to the reader. .
             Before I read any scholar's work on or about Caliban, it was very hard for me to picture him in my head. It is very apparent that Prospero abuses this creature, and uses him as a slave. Prospero screams, "Thou poisonous slave, got by the devil himself upon thy wicked dam, come forth!" (Act1, Scene2, ln.323). Miranda or Prospero do not describe his...

More Essays:

APA     MLA     Chicago
A Deeper Understanding of the Cast. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 19:09, March 28, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/79114.html