Essay about Main Characters of The Tempest by William...

William Shakespeare uses his plays not only to entertain the audience, but also to push the audience toward self-evaluation. The brilliance of Shakespeare is that his plays may be interpreted in different ways. The Tempest is not simply a fictional story meant to entertain the audience, but also a complete figurative narrative meant to mirror the art of the theatre. In this play each character represents a significant part in the alternate interpretation of the narrative. Examination of specific characters and their corresponding role in the theatrical world encourages a deeper understanding of self-reflexivity of The Tempest; which highlights William Shakespeare’s struggle to relinquish his art. The scenes and language used by Shakespeare†¦show more content†¦Shakespeare, much like Prospero, needed more than just his art to accomplish the productions that he completed. Just as Shakespeare needed other contributors, Prospero too needed his servants. Caliban is much l ike the stagehand as he is not a significant part of Prospero’s works, but he is used to complete laborious task for Prospero who commands him with complete control. Caliban is referred to by Prospero as his slave, â€Å"thou poisonous slave† (I.ii.322), and is used to fetch wood. Much like a stagehand would covet the position of the playwright Caliban desires to replace Prospero as lord of the island. Though Caliban begrudgingly obeys Prospero he is eager to be rid of him and his commands. This resentful relationship is contrasted to the relationship between Prospero and Ariel. Ariel is a spirit who upon being rescued by Prospero became is his diligent servant, until such time when Prospero decides to release him. Ariel is playing the role of the actors in the figurative interpretation of the play. Prospero’s treatment of Ariel is far nicer than his treatment of Caliban, he responds in a much kinder manner, â€Å"My brave spirit† (I.ii.207). This differe nce in treatment can be attributed to Ariel’s importance to Prospero; Prospero needs Ariel for his plans to function. 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