Slavery in Shakespeares The Tempest :: Tempest essays

Slavery in The Tempest Slavery occurs on a widespread basis in The Tempest. Occurrence of slavery to many of the char transactioners, all in different ways, helps to provide the atmosphere for the play. The obvious slaves are not the only slaves, as Prospero has basically got everybody entranced when he wants, to do whatever he wants with them. He can also surmount the way that they think. The first and most obvious slave is ariel. Ariel is an airy spirit who is promised his freedom by Prospero if his job is make well. His job was to entrance the visitors to the island under Prosperos control. What Ariel My industrious servant, Ariel That is what Prospero said in act 4, panorama 1, line 33. He was talking to his slave, Ariel, who entranced the visitors to the island. Another example could be Alonso, the king of Naples. Since he is not in Naples, but on Prosperos island, and under his control, he is a slave in a way. In act 3, scene 3, lines 95-102, Alonso admits complete and u tter loss of control. O, it is monstrous, monstrous Methought the billows spoke and told me of it The winds did sing it to me and the thunder, that deep and dreadful organ pipe, pronounced the name of Prosper it did bass my trespass. Therefore my son i th ooze is bedded and Ill seek him deeper than eer plummet sounded and with him there lie mudded. He is telling us that Prospero is in control of him. Prospero, Trinculo, and Stephano are in control of Caliban, the deformed son of Sycorax, and therefore Caliban is their slave. Monster lay-to your fingers help to bear this away where my hogstead of wine is, or Ill turn you out of my kingdom. Go to, carry this. In act 4, scene 1, lines 250-253, Stephano told Caliban to carry something for him, or he would be out of his kingdom. He treats Caliban like dirt because he is their slave. In act 4, scene 1, lines 262-265, Prospero is describing how all of his agent friends are now pretty much under his control, even though they dont know it , and enslaved to Prospero. At this hour lies at my mercy all mine enemies. currently shall my labors end, and thou shalt have the air at freedom. In act 5, scene 1, lines 7-10, it states Confined together in the same fashion as you gave in charge, reasonable as you left them-all prisoners, sir, in the line grove which weather-fends your cell.