| –“The Tempest” and ShakespeareBackground and Societal Impact–Colonialism | –Aspects of colonialism:1. Europeans’ appropriation of and exploitation of foreign territories2. Europeans’ subordination of indigenous populations (such as the different treatment of Caliban and Ariel)3. Europeans’ claims that they are colonizing to bring Christianity and civilization (Prospero’s taking credit for the fact that he has taught Caliban how to speak and the fact that he has liberated Ariel) |
| –“The Tempest” and ShakespeareBackground and Societal ImpactPatriarchal Undoings vs. The Feminist Critique1. The Feminist Critique–What has “The Tempest” not attracted? | –Because of the small role women play in comparison to other Shakespeare plays, “The Tempest” has not attracted much feminist criticism. |
| –“The Tempest” and ShakespeareBackground and Societal ImpactPatriarchal Undoings vs. The Feminist Critique1. The Feminist Critique–What has been argued? | –It has been argued that Miranda is typical of women in a colonial atmosphere, has accepted the patriarchal order.–The less prominent women mentioned in the play or subordinated as all, as they are only described through the men of the play. |
| –“The Tempest” and ShakespeareBackground and Societal ImpactPatriarchal Undoings vs. The Feminist Critique1. How is Miranda’s position in the play unique? | –Miranda’s position in the play is unique in that she is central, despite showing “old-fashioned” and stereotypical female qualities. |
| –“The Tempest” and ShakespeareBackground and Societal ImpactPatriarchal Undoings vs. The Feminist Critique1. The Feminist Critique–What is Miranda reminded of? | –Not only is she used as a physical form, but also reminded of her “place”.–Prospero actually uses her as a prize to attain his goal of vengeance. He attempts to control her fate and he objectifies sexual purpose. |
| –“The Tempest” and ShakespeareBackground and Societal ImpactPatriarchal Undoings vs. The Feminist Critique1. The Feminist Critique–What do we see through Miranda? | –Through her, we see society’s view that women are physical/sexual tools. Shakespeare is making commentary with this. |
| –“The Tempest” and ShakespeareBackground and Societal ImpactPatriarchal Undoings vs. The Feminist Critique1. The Feminist Critique– Yet, what is Miranda like? | –Yet, she is powerful:1. Teaches Caliban2. Refuses Caliban and his advances3. Her actions, show the desire to end oppression and exploitation as she understands these things are inherently wrong.4. Will impact the plot line with her relationship and choices as connected to Ferdinand. |
| –“The Tempest” and ShakespeareBackground and Societal ImpactWorldly Exploration–what happened in May 1609? | –In May 1609, nine ships carrying 500 colonists set sail from England to reinforce the settlers at the colony of Jamestown in the New World, in what is now Virginia. –In a storm, the ships were driven to the Bermudas, where a number of the travelers were stranded for nearly a year. –Shakespeare almost certainly knew of the controversy surrounding the ownership of Virginia. |
| –“The Tempest” and ShakespeareBackground and Societal ImpactWorldly Exploration–What did some argue? | –Some argued that the natives settled in Virgina owned the land, and that European settlers had no right to take it from them. |
| –“The Tempest” and ShakespeareBackground and Societal ImpactWorldly Exploration–What does “The Tempest” give? | –“The Tempest” gives both sides of the controversy. Shakespeare makes Caliban’s claim to the island plausible, but also shows him as depraved; and the “colonists” have among them good men along with drunkards and murderers. |
| –Plot, Character, and Literary Elements includingVerse | … |
“The Tempest” and Shakespeare
July 13, 2019