William Shakespeare’s play ‘The Tempest’ is a play that is extremely concentrated on power
and authority throughout. The power and authority are demonstrated in many ways
including, the ruling of slaves, uses of magic, the daughters being used as commodities, and
the desire for domination over other male characters. These different examples are shown
throughout the play between the different characters.
Magic is experienced throughout the play and this is what gives Prospero his domination
over other characters such as Caliban. The audience sees this when Prospero says, “if thou
neglect’st or dost unwillingly. What I command, I’ll rack thee with old cramps, fill all thy
bones with aches, make thee roar That beasts shall tremble at thy din.” This shows us that
Prospero demonstrates dominance by his willingness to use magic for cruel purposes. This
shows us the use of magic being used to obtain power and authority.
Slavery is a topic which the play explores, slaves such as Ariel are faced with a treacherous
life as she is forced to serve Prospero due to his ascendancy over the island and her
freedom. “if thou more murmur’st, I will rend an oak. And peg thee in his knotty entrails till.
Thou hast howled away twelve winters.” Prospero used these harsh words to portray his
domineering nature against inferior disobedient individuals. These threats evoke a sense of
fear against Prospero hence thus portraying his power and authority being portrayed again
in great depth, in the play.
The daughters such as Miranda in the play, are seen as trading commodities and not equal
members of their society. They are exploited by the fathers who have domination in their
hierarchy. Prospero says 'acquisition, worthily purchased' when talking about Miranda. This
shows us that Miranda is seen as a trading tool, her role is one where Prospero uses his
parental dominance over Miranda for his benefit and regain of his Duke role. Prospero uses
his power and authority in their relationship to ensure that the issues between him and
Alonso can be resolved.
In this play, we see many individuals who are constantly thinking of ways to expand their
empires and hence increase their dominance. This is portrayed exceptionally when Prospero
says “So dry he was for sway—wi' th' King of Naples. To give him annual tribute, do him
homage. Subject his coronet to his crown and bend. The dukedom yet unbowed—alas, poor
Milan! To most ignoble stooping.” As the audience, we know that Antonio wanted to usurp
his brother Prospero for his gains and to increase his dominance in Milan. Once again this
furthermore shows the exploration of power and authority in different scenarios in the play.
In the play “The Tempest” many aspects of life such as power and authority are explored in
different manners. This topic is portrayed in, the relationship with the slaves such as Ariel
and Prospero, the use of magic with Prospero to gain respect, the search for triumph
between male characters such as Antonio and Prospero, and the use of female characters as
trading tools.
and authority throughout. The power and authority are demonstrated in many ways
including, the ruling of slaves, uses of magic, the daughters being used as commodities, and
the desire for domination over other male characters. These different examples are shown
throughout the play between the different characters.
Magic is experienced throughout the play and this is what gives Prospero his domination
over other characters such as Caliban. The audience sees this when Prospero says, “if thou
neglect’st or dost unwillingly. What I command, I’ll rack thee with old cramps, fill all thy
bones with aches, make thee roar That beasts shall tremble at thy din.” This shows us that
Prospero demonstrates dominance by his willingness to use magic for cruel purposes. This
shows us the use of magic being used to obtain power and authority.
Slavery is a topic which the play explores, slaves such as Ariel are faced with a treacherous
life as she is forced to serve Prospero due to his ascendancy over the island and her
freedom. “if thou more murmur’st, I will rend an oak. And peg thee in his knotty entrails till.
Thou hast howled away twelve winters.” Prospero used these harsh words to portray his
domineering nature against inferior disobedient individuals. These threats evoke a sense of
fear against Prospero hence thus portraying his power and authority being portrayed again
in great depth, in the play.
The daughters such as Miranda in the play, are seen as trading commodities and not equal
members of their society. They are exploited by the fathers who have domination in their
hierarchy. Prospero says 'acquisition, worthily purchased' when talking about Miranda. This
shows us that Miranda is seen as a trading tool, her role is one where Prospero uses his
parental dominance over Miranda for his benefit and regain of his Duke role. Prospero uses
his power and authority in their relationship to ensure that the issues between him and
Alonso can be resolved.
In this play, we see many individuals who are constantly thinking of ways to expand their
empires and hence increase their dominance. This is portrayed exceptionally when Prospero
says “So dry he was for sway—wi' th' King of Naples. To give him annual tribute, do him
homage. Subject his coronet to his crown and bend. The dukedom yet unbowed—alas, poor
Milan! To most ignoble stooping.” As the audience, we know that Antonio wanted to usurp
his brother Prospero for his gains and to increase his dominance in Milan. Once again this
furthermore shows the exploration of power and authority in different scenarios in the play.
In the play “The Tempest” many aspects of life such as power and authority are explored in
different manners. This topic is portrayed in, the relationship with the slaves such as Ariel
and Prospero, the use of magic with Prospero to gain respect, the search for triumph
between male characters such as Antonio and Prospero, and the use of female characters as
trading tools.
