The Tempest: A Tempestuous Play
Comments(42) “…the great globe itself,/Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve,/And, like this insubstantial pageant faded,/Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff/As dreams are made on, and our little life/Is rounded with a sleep” (IV.i.153-158).
Upon my first reading of The Tempest, I took away two things: the quote above and the riddling of the word “art”–with its many connotations–used throughout the play. I have to forewarn you that I am partial to this play because I feel it is a culmination with so many of the elements and aspects encountered in other plays we’ve read. But as much as I would like to spill the beans, I will stick to my thoughts of what we as readers find in the exposition of Act I.
Right from the start, the characters are in the throes of a tempest with a feeling of chaos on board. As we come to discover, the tempest–much like death–has an equalizing, democratizing aspect to it which inverts the social order of the “rude mechanicals” of the ship–in this case, the boatswain and mariners–with that of the gentlemen (king, prince, duke, councilor, etc.). The boatswain says it best to Gonzalo: “What cares these/roarers for the name of king?” (I.i.16-17). Rich or poor, high-born or low-born, royalty or plebeian, all of those distinctions go out the window once one faces the inevitable “elements.” I’d also like to think that the manipulation of the elements and weather are somehow tied to Prospero’s psyche filled with vengeance. According to the Norton Critical Edition, the earliest recorded performance of The Tempest was 1611. That would put our friend, Will the Bard at 47 years old, so it should come as no surprise that he shifts his attention of subject matter to contemplating what one’s life amounts to during the declining years.
Professor D. likes for us to be mindful of settings. I find it interesting that Shakespeare sets the scene of The Tempest on “an uninhabited island.” We will come to find out that it does in fact have inhabitants, but something about the lack of a tie to an imperialistic power/nation allows for unconventional happenings to occur. I think we can very much consider it as another “green space” similar to the forest in Midsummer Night’s Dream or Portia’s residence, Belmont, in The Merchant of Venice. The topography of the island is actually quite similar to the liminal grange where Mariana is stashed away in Measure for Measure. Anyhow, it may be worth keeping an eye out to see how the setting of the island coincides with the events that are about to unfold.
The last thing I want to bring up is how my reading of Prospero has changed slightly. Upon my first reading, I had somewhat of a woe-to-Prospero empathy. However, this time around, I’m not feeling as sympathetic towards Prospero. When he finally decides to reveal to his teenage (pure and virginal, mind you) daughter, Miranda about their origins leading to their current circumstances, Prospero recounts how his “perfidious” brother, Antonio usurps his dukedom. This bequeathing [usurping] of power is similar to what happens between the duke and Angelo in Measure for Measure; however, Prospero doesn’t share in the duke’s design when the duke states: “Hence shall we see,/If power change purpose, what our seemers be” (Measure for Measure, I.v.53-54). Prospero admits to his negligence of ducal duties in favor of books and learning: “I thus neglecting worldly ends, all dedicated/To closeness and the bettering of my mind–” (I.ii.89-90), as well as: “I loved my books…From mine own library with volumes that/I prize above my dukedom” (I.ii.166-168). Now, we’ve come across enough characters to know the corrupting effect(s) that go along with power. Are we really supposed to feel for a guy who turns his back on the responsibilities that are part and parcel of his position? I don’t find it surprising that Antonio would be seduced by this taste of power and want more of it for himself.
Another point that turns me off about Prospero is the master/servant power dynamic he has with Ariel and Caliban. It is also here that I’d like to share somewhat of a digression. Is it me or can we possibly read Ariel as the supernatural embodiment of Prospero’s learning and “art” rather than a separate entity? True, Prospero recounts for us how he saved Ariel from his/her previous master, the “foul witch Sycorax,” but, can’t Ariel be another manifestation with magic powers like his “robe?” Hmmmm…Okay, back to the point. I bring up the relationship because there still seems to be a sense of entitlement and hierarchy in Prospero (you can take the duke out of Milan but you can’t take Milan out of the duke, I guess)…but all the while, how far would he have gotten without the domination he has over Ariel and Caliban? It is this slippage–again, reminiscent of the duke in Measure for Measure–afforded to Prospero which makes him slightly more complex/complicated a character. And while Caliban is a fascinating character in his own right, I feel like I’ve over-shared (like I do in class). 
Thoughts?
-CT
PS – for those of you possibly considering a reworking of The Tempest for your casebook assignment, here is a link of the recent movie adaptation directed by Julie Taymor (the same director of the stylized Titus Andronicus which we saw in class). How does your perception of the play change–if at all–by having our main character converted to a duchess: Prospera?
I think that I agree with you, in that there is a real urge to typecast these characters one way or another. And yet, there is an underlying complexity in these characters. Ariel is a freed slave slave (I think that in itself is kind of a duplicity), we have an impotent ruler or two (Caliban and Prospero), and a daughter who’s so virginal and innocent, she falls in love/lust with the third man she meets in her entire life.
Another agree/disagree at the same time point I want to bring up is the master/servant relationship with Prospero and the slaves. Also, isn’t it strange that Ariel, a man, is asked to play a nymph, a woman? I digress, the point I wanted to make was with Prospero, and whether he actually has any real agency if he relies on others to sustain him and his plans? In a sense, he definitely does as he is the so far only source of plot plodding and power base (the king and false duke are rendered impotent in the first scene). However, the reliance of Caliban to provide food and shelter, and the storm which even sets the story in motion from Arial, is Prospero truly a master of virtu, or is he simply at the top of fortune’s wheel, ready to slip down again? Curiouser and curiouser…
I was also wondering about Ariel and his performance as the nymph. But I think Miranda calls the spirit a he when she sees him. I also was wondering what the costumes would look like for Ariel. One part I really looked into was when we learn of some of the things that Prospero has taught to Caliban. And how Caliban claims that Prospero taught him the language he uses to curse. It shows possible depth in Caliban’s character and also his capacity to act in a certain manner.
One thing I liked about this play is that it is explicitly charmed. There is some preternatural force working its hand in The Tempest.
Another foray into the “Green Space” from which, I assume, th balance of society back home will be restored. I do wonder how Prospero has come by his robey-powers, however, as the powers in such places are generally reserved to the otherworldly inhabitants. In response to Kenny, perhaps Prospero’s position of power and agency is legitimized on the island by his posession of the supernatural type of power that reigns there…
Chris’ opening quote brings to my attention W.S.’ apparent pre-occupation with sleep, and likening the lack of conscious awareness with death. It came up often enough in one or two of the plays we’ve read prior to that I made note of it. Does it mean anything that Miranda is bidden to succumb to sleep after hearing the tale of their arrival to the island?
With respect to the whole “art” thing, I wonder if Shakespeare isn’t chiding the artists that they aren’t creators, per se, but demi-urges of a sort, creating “counterfeits” by harnessing and channeling some otherworldy energy/idea and giving it a somewhat deformed means of temporal manifestation. In Midsummer, Duke Thesus remarks, regarding the poet’s eye, “And as imagination bodies forth / The forms of things unknown, the poet’s pen / Turns them to shapes, and gives to airy nothing / A local habitation and a name.” (V. i. 14) Maybe tied into the recurring legitimacy issue too? Legitimacy of power, of roles, of titles, of judgements.
And, yay, more unnatural reproduction – more fruit of accursed wombs.
Very interesting topic , appreciate it for putting up. “The height of cleverness is to be able to conceal it.” by Francois de La Rochefoucauld.
Thanks for expressing your ideas right here. The other factor is that when a problem occurs with a laptop motherboard, individuals should not have some risk associated with repairing this themselves for if it is not done right it can lead to irreparable damage to the entire laptop. It is usually safe just to approach a dealer of any laptop for the repair of that motherboard. They’ve got technicians who have an competence in dealing with notebook motherboard challenges and can make right diagnosis and undertake repairs.
Testing
Write added, thats all I have to articulate. Exactly, it seems as even if you relied by the video to compose your point. You undoubtedly get what youre talking about, why fritter away your intelligence by simply reorganization movies to your site when you can ensue bountiful us one machine informative to learn?
I dugg some of you post as I cerebrated they were very beneficial very beneficial
I regard something genuinely interesting about your web blog so I saved to my bookmarks.
Perfectly pent content, appreciate it for selective information. “He who establishes his argument by noise and command shows that his reason is weak.” by Michel de Montaigne.
Very interesting info !Perfect just what I was looking for! “It is our choices…that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” by J. K. Rowling.
I really enjoy studying on this web site , it holds good blog posts. “Sometime they’ll give a war and nobody will come.” by Carl Sandburg.
excellent issues altogether, you just won a new reader. What might you suggest about your publish that you just made some days ago? Any certain?
I enjoy your writing style truly enjoying this site. “Make no judgements where you have no compassion.” by Anne McCaffrey.
I believe this internet site holds very fantastic pent written content posts.
Enjoyed looking through this, very good stuff, regards . “Love begets love, love knows no rules, this is the same for all.” by Virgil.
I think this site holds some really good info for everyone. “Anger makes dull men witty, but it keeps them poor.” by Francis Bacon.
I visited a lot of website but I conceive this one contains something extra in it. “Never try to tell everything you know. It may take too short a time.” by Norman Ford.
Some really excellent content on this site, regards for contribution. “Give me the splendid silent sun with all his beams full-dazzling.” by Walt Whitman.
Thanks for sharing superb informations. Your web site is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you’ve on this site. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for extra articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found just the information I already searched everywhere and simply couldn’t come across. What a great website.
Thanks for your publication on this web site. From my experience, periodically softening way up a photograph may provide the professional photographer with an amount of an creative flare. Sometimes however, that soft blur isn’t just what you had in mind and can frequently spoil a normally good photograph, especially if you anticipate enlarging that.
I regard something genuinely interesting about your web blog so I saved to my bookmarks.
I think this site has got very great indited content material blog posts.
I genuinely enjoy examining on this website, it contains superb blog posts. “Don’t put too fine a point to your wit for fear it should get blunted.” by Miguel de Cervantes.
I adore reading and I believe this website got some really useful stuff on it!
I got what you intend, thanks for posting .Woh I am pleased to find this website through google. “I was walking down the street wearing glasses when the prescription ran out.” by Steven Wright.
I was very pleased to find this website. I wanted to thank you for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff on your blog.
The way you shown this matter at this point is definitely useful and in addition expertly composed. I do believe you are going to quickly obtain large amount of viewers.
This unique topic you shows here is definitely a fine and hot field. Intriguing approach and also form in article. Keep publishing these kinds of helpful information.
I just wanted to write down a brief word in order to thank you for these unique recommendations you are placing here. My time-consuming internet lookup has at the end of the day been rewarded with good quality content to share with my best friends. I would express that many of us readers actually are unquestionably lucky to live in a good site with many perfect professionals with interesting methods. I feel quite blessed to have discovered your entire weblog and look forward to tons of more fabulous minutes reading here. Thank you again for a lot of things.
You could definitely see your enthusiasm in the paintings you write. The sector hopes for more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. Always follow your heart. “Until you’ve lost your reputation, you never realize what a burden it was.” by Margaret Mitchell.
I’ll right away take hold of your rss feed as I can not find your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly permit me understand in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.
I have been reading out many of your articles and i must say pretty good stuff. I will surely bookmark your site
I want you to read through this letter of my daily life and also have a heart of kindness to assist me, and my large dollars would be transfer into your account within your country for investment task after that I’ll be able to come over there with your nation to even further my training job.
Simply wanna remark on few general things, The website design and style is perfect, the subject matter is really excellent. “All movements go too far.” by Bertrand Russell.
I really like reading an article that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment!
Sweet web site, super design and style, rattling clean and utilize pleasant.
I truly enjoy examining on this website , it has got excellent content . “It is easy to be nice, even to an enemy – from lack of character.” by Dag Hammarskjld.
Essentially the mainly beneficent and truest informaje as can ensue seen matchless with you. You’ll be clever to change the masses added to what is important.
I actually like the round robin and no championship game. Everybody plays everybody else and the regular season champ represents the conference. Of course cash will rule. If there are more $$$ to be made with a game, they will play it.
Siempre muy informativo. He leído algunos artículos de aquí y tengo que decir que este es el mejor.
I couldn’t refrain from posting a comment. Brilliantly written!