...“Beyond the Traditional Analysis” In his play, The Tempest, Shakespeare conveys themes through different character pairs. Each pairing is a guise for a different theme in the play's plot. For instance, Ariel and Caliban are thought to be grouped together because they show two contrasting sides of servitude. Other examples lie behind Miranda and Ferdinand's "love at first sight", as well as the forgiveness that Alonso, Antonio, and Prospero receive. Each grouping of characters is placed strategically throughout the play by Shakespeare to exemplify different themes. Ariel and Caliban are both under Prospero's servitude, and are actually foils for one another. However, while Ariel abides by Prospero's rules willingly, Caliban only serves Prospero out of fear. They are both obligated to serve Prospero and do his bidding, but while Caliban is only trusted to do the simplest of tasks, Ariel is the equivalent to Prospero's second in command. He is constantly a major aide in Prospero's grand plan, and he is privy to Prospero's secrets. "All hail great master! Grave sir, hail! I come to answer thy best pleasure,"(Shakespeare 14). Ariel says this to his master, living with the hope of soon being free. He could behave as Caliban, but Ariel is trusted enough to help Prospero complete his master plan. Ariel even influences Prospero's decision on whether to forgive the ones who have wronged him. At the end of the play, Prospero's other servant Caliban, turns out to be one of the ones who...
Words: 794 - Pages: 4
...| TEMPEST Paper | | A brief look into the history and evolution of compromising emanations. | | Nicole King CIS 284s Winter 2013 | 2/1/2013 | | Introduction TEMPEST stands for “Telecommunications Electronics Material Protected From Spurious Emanating Transmissions”. It also is used to refer to security preventing any exploitation of vulnerabilities created by compromising emanations of electrical devices. Basically when electrical devices operate, they generate electromagnetic signals that can be intercepted and used to reconstruct sensitive information. “Listening” for these signals is known as “eavesdropping”. With the right equipment an eavesdropper can be hundreds of feet from the signal. This presents a real problem when a computer is processing classified information. The NSA (National Security Agency) has developed the TEMPEST standard which consists of several industry measurements to avoid such leakage. These computers have heavy metal cases, different power supplies and some additional modifications. History TEMPEST came about in 1918 by a man named Herbert Yardley. He and his Black Chamber staff were instructed by the U.S. Army to find ways to detect and exploit combat radio transmitters and telephones. Yardley determined that normal equipment was allowing secret information to be passed to the enemy via technical vulnerabilities. A program was then created to find ways to prevent the compromising emanations. Even though the initial...
Words: 1275 - Pages: 6
...(with eyes down), what to read (works by and about good and godly persons, not romances), and how to pray (frequently) (135). In other words, women were to do what the men in their lives told them to do. They were to do those things no matter how outlandish a mans request may have seemed. A woman doing anything different than what was required of her was considered socially unacceptable and inhuman. These qualities can be seen a lot throughout most of Shakespeare’s plays. For example; Isabella in “Measure for Measure” wants to enter a nunnery because she does not trust that she will be able to uphold her virginity if she does not. If she loses that virginity, she will no longer hold any value. This same characteristic can be seen in “The Tempest” because Prospero spends a lot of time teaching Miranda how important her virginity truly is. This control over virginity that men tried so hard to obtain was important when women were considered a form of political currency. Controlling their sexuality and behavior was especially important. Miranda is defined by her social system, her social system being her father Prospero, but her social system defines her as independent and self-defiant. The social system that defines Miranda is her father, Prospero. Her father...
Words: 1596 - Pages: 7
...Tanis McDonnell Pesda Honors English 9 (1) 24 March 2016 Altered States of Reality in The Tempest The Tempest, by William Shakespeare, tells the story of a magician, Prospero, who, along with his daughter, Miranda, was usurped by his brother Antonio and King Alonso of Naples. After twelve years of living an island, Prospero uses his magic to create a tempest that sinks Antonio and Alonso’s ship, bringing them to the island. Prospero’s plan for revenge includes his daughter falling in love with the king’s son, Ferdinand; his servant Ariel fooling Alonso and his men; and his slave Caliban getting intoxicated with two men from the ship. Prospero uses his magic to change the emotions of Miranda, Alonso, and Caliban, placing them under different illusions. One of the primary themes in the play is that an altered state of reality that the characters go through that influence their decisions and actions. Thus, the false infatuation that Miranda and Ferdinand mistake for love changes both their actions and opinions. Additionally, Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano are all given courage because of their drunkenness and plot to kill Prospero, a plan they never would have dreamed about if they were sober. Miranda and Ferdinand both go through severe personality changes because of their illusion of love. The two lovers had come from very different backgrounds; Ferdinand, a royal family with riches, and Miranda, just her father and two servants. Their relationship is new territory for...
Words: 1139 - Pages: 5
...Comical Relief in The Tempest Throughout The Tempest Prospero’s character portrays an image of a higher all powerful being capable of many feats of willpower and intelligence. He is in control of every situation and event as if the chain of causes and effects would be a that of what only a god would be able to manipulate. On the other hand he is very much human: a banished and wronged duke with but a little girl, his daughter Miranda, which is primarily the entire underlying plot of the play. Prospero's and his daughter's situation on the island was hopeless, however Prospero decided rather than dwell in misery for being over thrown, he decides revenge would be far greater a cause. Prospero created a meaning for his life, and began to plot out how he’d exact his revenge on those who’d wronged him. At the beginning of the play we believe that his revenge will be a dark twisted plot that would not end well for those whom are ensnared in his plot. Prospero, as the puppet master, the one pulling the strings of the people who have landed on his island, must teach everybody a lesson about themselves, and try to make them better people. At the beginning of the play, it is explained to us, largely through Prospero’s exposition, that Miranda is but a perfect child. She’s sincere, gorgeous, intelligent and loyal; She’s Prospero’s little angel. At the beginning of the novel, she comes off being too perfect, so perfect it makes her character rather dull and boring, despite her many assets...
Words: 707 - Pages: 3
...The Triumph of Purity in William Shakespeare's The Tempest (1610-11) DEEPSHIKHA DAS ROLL NO. – E 11 ENGLISH M.A 1ST YEAR BETHUNE COLLEGE Purity is defined as the absence of impurity or contaminants in a substance. The term also applies to the absence of vice in human characters. As for women, the term 'purity' encompasses the notion of chastity which is a prerequisite of a 'good/gentle woman'. The virtue of purity as embodied in human beings was to become quite a popular trope since the middle ages. From Dante's Divina Commedia (1308-11) to Spenser's Faerie Queene (1590-96), purity is treated as an ideal for everybody to strive towards. It is always analogous to goodness. A character with this trait (more usually female ) is treated both by the narrative and many of the characters as being a shining example of good. Almost always beautiful, she often gives off a soft radiance that attracts people. She is almost exclusively soft-spoken, polite, optimistic, and just all round pleasant to be around. The 14th century alliterative poems Pearl , Purity ,and Patience, draws easily on the Bible for its narrative and illustrate the virtue of purity in character. In Shakespearean tragedies like Othello , Desdemona is killed by her husband Othello who thinks she was unfaithful....
Words: 2425 - Pages: 10
...The Tempest: How is the theme of power and control demonstrated through out the tempest. In “The Tempest” , power is demonstrated through various forms. Shakespeare presents the theme of power through the social power held by Sebastian and Antonio as they demonstrate the abuse of their power towards those they may deem socially lower. Shakespeare also presents power through Prospero’s magic and manipulation as he crafts his return to as the duke of Milan as well as his treatment of Miranda and Prospero. Prospero is a character that throughout the play consistently seeks to maintain and gain power, and as such has sought to regain power that was taken away from him in the form of his dukedom. His study in magic may have been the cause for this loss of control, however to some extent, magic has made sure he has maintained his power. The concrete nouns of “thunder” and “lightning” used as stage directions firstly demonstrate Prospero’s manipulation of the elements through his magic. This ties in with the theme of power as Prospero shows the extent to which his magic can reach. His manipulation of the elements is consistent throughout the play and portrays him as trying to play god in influencing nature, these nouns portray Prospero as a character to be feared as these nouns emphasises the wrath and power of Prospero’s magic. The clause “I made shake” reinforces how Prospero views himself and also how influential and fearsome his magic was. The pronoun “I” emphasises Prospero’s...
Words: 1117 - Pages: 5
...The Tempest The tempest by Shakespeare has a range of slaves, all different in nature and appearance. In this play, Shakespeare, through the use of the different slaves brings up the issue of colonisation in its different forms. This essay will explore the dissimilarities between Caliban and Ariel. Ariel, undeniably Prospero’s favourite off the two, is an air spirit as his/her name suggests who was enslaved by Sycorax and is more willing to do tasks ordered by Prospero. Caliban, Sycorax’s son is a very ill-tempered and unwilling slave who does not hold his master in the highest regard. This essay will analyse Caliban and Ariel’s different and temperaments, their attitudes towards freedom and their relationship with Prospero. Ariel and Caliban are very different in temperament and appearance. Caliban, whose name can be rearranged to spell Cannibal, is dark skinned, bad tempered creature who is not overly attractive. People in Shakespeare’s time and perhaps even now, may perceive him as wicked based on his appearance. This would be due mainly to the idea of predetermination. This is basically the idea that people are the same inside as they are out and deserve whatever treatment afforded by their looks and were made to fulfil a certain purpose, which can be clearly identified by their appearance. Caliban temperament is seen mainly through his speech. He has a negative attitude towards language. He suggest that it does not do him much good, as he says "You taught me language, and...
Words: 1190 - Pages: 5
...Why do Ferdinand and Miranda have to fall in love? It simply could not have been love at first sight. Yes, perhaps there is such a thing as love at first sight, but for Ferdinand and Miranda, there is much more to the story. Ferdinand and Miranda’s love for each other was born out of necessity; there are no other simple reasons for them falling in love. There is much reason to stipulate their love was born out of necessity. One such argument is since Prospero wants them to fall in love; they have to because he is in complete control of the island and controls the entire plot of the play. Another such reason for their marriage is that they are ideal characters for each other, all the other primary characters are corrupt, yet Ferdinand and Miranda being young and innocent are the ideal candidates for each other. As well I shall explore one commonality between two of Shakespeare’s plays. One final reason to support these views is of the very nature of this play, which is the nature of Shakespearian Comedy. All Shakespearian Comedies must end in a marriage, and this is no exception. Drawing on my first two arguments to support my third it is quite evident why Ferdinand and Miranda simply have to be. On the island Prospero wields complete power, over the forces of nature and even to some extent over the wills of others. What Prospero wants, Prospero gets. He accomplishes this through his magical powers and sorcery, and to a certain extent- his cunning. So how does...
Words: 1385 - Pages: 6
...This is a good article. Click here for more information. The Tempest From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (Redirected from The tempest) This article is about the Shakespeare play. For other uses, see The Tempest (disambiguation). The shipwreck in Act I, Scene 1, in a 1797 engraving by Benjamin Smith after a painting by George Romney The Tempest is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written in 1610–11, and thought by many critics to be the last play that Shakespeare wrote alone. It is set on a remote island, where Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, plots to restore his daughter Miranda to her rightful place using illusion and skilful manipulation. He conjures up a storm, the eponymous tempest, to lure his usurping brother Antonio and the complicit King Alonso of Naples to the island. There, his machinations bring about the revelation of Antonio's lowly nature, the redemption of the King, and the marriage of Miranda to Alonso's son, Ferdinand. There is no obvious single source for the plot of The Tempest, but researchers have seen parallels in Erasmus's Naufragium, Peter Martyr's De orbe novo, and eyewitness reports by William Strachey and Sylvester Jordain of the real-life shipwreck of the Sea Venture on the islands of Bermuda, and the subsequent conflict between Sir Thomas Gates and Sir George Somers. In addition, one of Gonzalo's speeches is derived from Montaigne's essay Of the Canibales, and much of Prospero's renunciative speech is taken...
Words: 9690 - Pages: 39
...RAVAGE FOR DESIRE I will analyze the three main characters; Prospero,Caliban and Miranda from the play ‘The Tempest’ by Shakespeare in my essay. I will be analysing the relationship of the three and also refering to the other characters that effected by them. The first thing that draws attention is the title of the play. ‘The Tempest’ name first associates with the destructive force that tear down everything including the social positions and hierarchies. But when you finish reading, it means not the revenge of Prospero but the possibility of tranformation that he gives to the other characters in the play. The tempest also helps Prospero to regain his position as the Duke of Milan by destroying the new regime and bringing back the other characters to their old positions. Prospero is one of the main characters for shaping the whole play with his plan. He reserves all the features of west civilization which are power, wisdom and magic, in addition to his being as a saviour from the squalidity. He rules the nature with his learning and wisdom. In scene 2 , we are informed about the life of Prospero when he tells his daughter Miranda about why they are in that deserted island for twelve years, how his brother Antonio usurped his kingdom with the help of Alonso,the king of Napoli and tells that they are still alive because Gonzalo provided them with clothing,food and books from his library that he owes his power and wisdom. Gonzalo shows us how good people are mocked...
Words: 1313 - Pages: 6
...The attributes of freedom and servitude can be seen throughout The Tempest. In the opening act of the play, the usual balance between the commoners and nobleman come into conflict due to the extreme nature of the storm (Crowther, 2005). The next example is shown between Ariel and Prospero. Prospero keeps control over Ariel by continually reminding him how bad his life was before Prospero had rescued him; Therefore, Ariel should obey Prospero. And, for thou wast a spirit too delicate To act her earthy and abhorred commands, Refusing her grand hests, she did confine thee, By help of her more potent ministers And in her most unmitigable rage, Into a cloven pine, within which is rift Imprisoned thou didst painfully remain A dozen years; within which spade she died And left thee there, where thou didst vent thy groans, (Shakespeare,...
Words: 543 - Pages: 3
...Romano 1 Fabio Romano Mr. Brown English 1011 30 September, 2013 A Play on Power In all of Shakespeare’s works there is always the element of symbolism to help display his personal beliefs of human nature throughout his play, which is suggested by Harold C. Goddard and other scholars. In The Tempest, one of the symbols that is most abundant and is the main driving force behind certain decisions the characters make in the play is power. The play is also certainly related to the change of power between nobilities such as the civil war between Lancastrians and Yorkists around the time Shakespeare started writing his plays (1422-85), which likely may have been an influence on the play along with other plays such as with Romeo and Juliet (Frye). An example of how power functions as the main influence on decisions that characters make, is when Prospero talks to his daughter about how they ended up on the island. He discusses how his brother was possessed by the lust for political and military power, which caused him to plot with Alonso, betray him and then proceed to take the throne for himself. It is evident when Prospero explains, So dry he was for sway – with’ King of Naples To give him annual tribute, do him homage, Subject his coronet to his crown, and bend The dukedom yet unbowed – alas, poor Milan! – Romano 2 To most ignoble stooping. (I.2.110-116) Prospero says that Antonio was so power hungry that he was even willing to pay Alonso, which undoubtedly...
Words: 2029 - Pages: 9
...Mariana: Shakespeare's “The Tempest” was set in a fictional island that was somewhere in the Mediterranean in renaissance Europe. The imaginary island gave Shakespeare the opportunity to create endless possibilities for activities in the story. The island was described as “ barren and arid” and magical place. The Twelfth Night was set in an imaginary Dukedom in a city called Illyria which is today parts of Serbia, Slovenia, Bosnia, Albania, Croatia, and Montenegro. It is a place set on the Adriatic coast which gave Shakespeare the perfect mysterious setting he had in mind for his play. The main part of the play takes place in Paris and Roussillon France and as well as Italy. Shakespeare's “Measure for Measure” takes place in the Catholic...
Words: 255 - Pages: 2
...On Wednesday night October 12th at 8:00pm in the park, I attended a play by William Shakespeare named “The Tempest”, this play was directed by Rene Moreno. The theater play displayed the urges of greed, power, betrayal and love. The name “The Tempest” actually represent the meaning of the play. Tempest means, a violent windy storm, and the play starts off with a tragic thunder storm which strikes a boat and leaves people stranded on an island. The play begins with a thunderstorm that led to a shipwreck on an island. The passengers on the boat were headed to a wedding between Claribel and the prince of Tunis in Africa. The storm and the shipwreck was orchestrated by Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan. He explains to his daughter Miranda,...
Words: 623 - Pages: 3
