Theme of Power in the Tempest

A partner in a relationship that abuses to gain and maintain control abuses physically, sexually, and verbally to take power and control. In William Shakespeare’s play “The Tempest”, Shakespeare presents the overall burden topic of power and control in many different situations. Power and control was introduced in the play through the relationships between different characters. Characters in The Tempest are stuck in a power struggle struggling for their freedom and their need to take the control of the island, making some characters to abuse their power.

Nearly in almost all of the play power and control is expressed in every scene, through every relationship between the characters in The Tempest. Right away in the beginning of Shakespeare’s play power and control is presented in the first scene. “You mar our labor…Silence! Trouble us not” (I.I.10-16), with Gonzalo responding, “remember whom thou hast aboard” (I.I.17-18), the boatswain replying “None that I love more than myself…” (I.I.19). Gonzalo in this scene reminds the boatswain that he has lower power because of his social hierarchy. The conversation in this scene between Gonzalo, and The Boatswain presents that even though one is in danger brought by a tempest, a man’s social power is not relevant to one another.

Prospero, with greatest importance to the theme of power, relationship with the characters consistently makes remarks about power. His relationship with Caliban is a vivid example of his power. Caliban is referred to as a slave in The Tempest by Prospero. “Thou poison ous slave, got by the devil himself/upon thy wicked dam, come forth!” (..) in this scene it is clearly said that Prospero has complete power over Caliban, and is restricted to hid duties of fetching fuel. Prospero is completely unequal with Caliban, and is constantly calling him ill-mannered names like, “hag-seed” and “tortoise”. Caliban has no shame of being openly indignant of the power Porspero has over him and is hesitant to obey him. When Caliban is called by Prospero, he says and wishes with infuriation that “there is wood enough within…a southwest blow on ye and blister you all o’er” (..)

Not only does Prospero have this relationship with Caliban, but as well with Ariel. Prospero holds the power and Ariel serves to carry out his commands. Ariel is introduced in this play as an obsequious and is less resentful compared to Caliban, constantly obeying him and calling him “sir”. “All hail, great master! Grave sir, hail! I come to answer thy best pleasure.” (..) . Although Ariel is way more obedient to Prospero he still responds to Ariel in a kind tone calling her “moody and a “dull thing” In Act VI Prospero says “I drink the air before and return or ere your pulse twice beat.”

Miranda, Prospero’s daughter, power is shown through this