| Magic | … |
| Russel: Illusion/Magic | The whole play is indeed a succession of illusions.Links: ArielProspero and his power planMiranda’s freedom |
| Warton: Fantasy | We are transported into a fairy-land.Links: Prospero’s magic controlling the islandAriel as non-human |
| Moulton: Civilisation | The gift of civilisation is turned into a curse.Links: Caliban learning to speakProspero’s abuse of power – Caliban + Ariel |
| Kermode: Miranda | Miranda is inexperienced but not naive.Links: Prospero’s control over MirandaMiranda’s love for Ferdinand |
| Thompson: Miranda being weak | An extremely feeble heroine.Links: Prospero’s power over herHer harsh response to Caliban?Love at first sight with Ferdinand |
| Brett: Miranda’s freedom | “It could be argued that Miranda’s apparent freedom is entirely illusionary” |
| Dr Johnson: Shakespeare’s heroes/Men | [Shakespeare’s] heroes are all menLinks: Island all men, apart from MirandaMiranda under Prospero’s powerProspero in charge |
| Caliban | … |
| Coleridge: Caliban’s nature | Caliban is in some respects a noble being.Links: Prospero’s treatment of CalibanCaliban’s treatment of Miranda? |
| Clark: Caliban slave | Caliban’s nature is that of a slave.Links: Prospero’s treatment of himHis ability to speak?Productions: clothing in |
| Trevor G. Griffiths: Caliban | “Caliban is lost without the civilising influence exerted on him by Prospero” |
| Prospero | … |
| Daniel: Prospero’s art | “Prospero’ art is to achieve supremacy over the natural world by holy magic” |
| Production: Helen Mirren | Prospero = womanMore comforting side of ProsperoMore female influenceMiranda not the only woman |
The Tempest Critics
July 17, 2019