Summary The theme of power and control in William Shakespeare's "The Tempest"

The theme of power and control in "The Tempest"


The theme of power and control is a dominant one in William Shakespeare's "The Tempest". The play
explores the ways in which power can be exerted over others and the consequences of such power
dynamics. The theme is exemplified through the characters of Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan,
who has been exiled to the island, and his interactions with the other characters on the island,
including Caliban, the native inhabitant of the island, and the group of Italian nobles who are
shipwrecked on the island.


Prospero's mastery of magic allows him to exert a great deal of control over the other characters on
the island. He uses his powers to manipulate the elements and create illusions, which he uses to
deceive and control those around him. He is able to influence the behaviour of Caliban, whom he
refers to as his "slave", and even his own daughter, Miranda, by using his magic to control their
thoughts and actions. This demonstrates the extent to which power and control can be used to
manipulate and control others, regardless of their own desires or wills.


Caliban's relationship with Prospero also highlights the theme of power and control. Caliban is
depicted as a subservient figure who is powerless in the face of Prospero's control. Prospero's control
over Caliban is shown to be oppressive, with Prospero using his magic to manipulate Caliban and
prevent him from rebelling against his rule. This relationship represents the ways in which power can
be used to exert control over others, regardless of the fairness or morality of such actions.


The arrival of the Italian nobles on the island also serves to highlight the theme of power and control.
The nobles are portrayed as being arrogant and condescending, with little regard for the rights of
others. They are shown to be fully comfortable in exerting their power and control over others, and
this is demonstrated through their interactions with Caliban, whom they view as being inferior and
beneath them. The noble's arrival on the island serves to highlight the ways in which power and
control can be used to oppress and exploit others, and the play suggests that such actions will have
consequences for those who engage in them.


The theme of power and control is further emphasized through the character of Ariel, who is
Prospero's spirit servant. Ariel is depicted as being a slave to Prospero's will, and is forced to do his
bidding, regardless of her own desires or will. This highlights the ways in which power and control
can be used to exploit and oppress even those who are not directly under the control of the person
exerting power.


In conclusion, the theme of power and control is a dominant one in "The Tempest". The play explores
the ways in which power can be exerted over others and the consequences of such power dynamics.
Through the characters of Prospero, Caliban, the Italian nobles, and Ariel, the play demonstrates the
ways in which power and control can be used to manipulate, exploit, and oppress others. The play
suggests that such actions will have consequences for those who engage in them, and that power and
control must be used wisely and responsibly in order to avoid causing harm to others.