Yati 1 Hsu Myat Yati Tr. Patrick Hughes ENG 3U Unit 3 Activity 13 June 17th, 2024 “The Visions of Rule in “The Tempest” In William Shakespeare’s "The Tempest," the characters Prospero, Caliban, and Gonzalo each express distinct visions for ruling the island, reflecting their personal desires and ideals. Prospero sees the island as a temporary base to regain his dukedom. Caliban views it as his rightful inheritance and a place for free existence. Gonzalo imagines it as a utopian society devoid of conventional status and materialism. These differing visions highlight the complexities of power, ownership, and idealism, showcasing Shakespeare's nuanced exploration of leadership and governance. Prospero’s approach to ruling the island is deeply strategic and instrumental. He views the island primarily as a means to an end—a temporary stronghold to facilitate his return to Milan. His primary goal, as evidenced in the quote, “And thence retire me to my Milan, where / Every third thought shall be my grave” (The Tempest, Act 5, Scene 1, lines 311-312), is to regain his former position as the Duke of Milan. Throughout the play, Prospero manipulates events and people, using his magical abilities to control the island’s inhabitants and visitors, setting the stage for his political comeback. Prospero’s understanding of the island’s original ownership adds a layer of moral complexity to his rule. He acknowledges Caliban’s claim when he states, “This island’s mine, by Yati 2 Sycorax, my mother, / Which thou tak’st from me” (The Tempest, Act 1, Scene 2, lines 396397). This admission shows Prospero’s awareness of the ethical implications of his takeover. Despite recognizing the injustice of his actions, he justifies his rule by his broader objectives of rectifying the wrongs done to him in Milan. His ultimate intention to relinquish power, as indicated by his vow to “break my staff / Bury it certain fathoms in the earth, / And deeper than did ever plummet sound / I’ll drown my book” (The Tempest, Act 5, Scene 1, lines 54-57), symbolizes his departure from the island and the temporary nature of his rule. In contrast, Caliban views the island as his rightful inheritance and yearns to reclaim it to live freely. His belief in his birthright is strongly asserted in his statement, “I must eat my dinner. / This island’s mine, by Sycorax my mother, / Which thou tak’st from me” (The Tempest, Act 1, Scene 2, lines 331-333). Caliban’s connection to the land through his lineage underscores his claim to legitimate ownership. This claim is deeply personal and emotional, reflecting his intrinsic connection to the island as his home. Caliban’s appreciation for the island’s natural beauty further differentiates his vision. He describes the island’s enchantment with the lines, “Be not afeard; the isle is full of noises, / Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not” (The Tempest, Act 3, Scene 2, lines 130131). This poetical description reveals his deep appreciation for the island’s innate charm and his desire to live in harmony with its natural state. However, Caliban’s desperation under Prospero’s rule leads him to seek alternative rulers, as seen in his plea, “I’ll show thee every fertile inch o' th' island; / And I will kiss thy foot: I prithee, be my god” (The Tempest, Act 2, Scene 2, lines 149-150). This act of servility underscores his desperation for freedom and highlights the lengths he is willing to go to reclaim his inheritance and live without oppression. Yati 3 Gonzalo’s vision of ruling the island is rooted in utopian ideals. He imagines the island as a society free from conventional rankings and filled with equality and abundance. His aspirations are outlined in his musings, “Had I plantation of this isle, my lord, / And were the king on't, what would I do?” (The Tempest, Act 2, Scene 1, lines 142-143). Gonzalo dreams of creating a perfect society where everyone lives in harmony and equality, abolishing traditional power structures and rankings. His vision extends to the abundance of the island’s resources, as he imagines a society sustained by nature’s generosity: “All things in common nature should produce / Without sweat or endeavor. Treason, felony, / Sword, pike, knife, gun, or need of any engine, / Would I not have; but nature should bring forth, / Of its own kind, all foison, all abundance, / To feed my innocent people” (The Tempest, Act 2, Scene 1, lines 159-164). This idealistic view prioritizes the well-being of the community over individual gain, reflecting his belief in human goodness and cooperation. However, Gonzalo’s utopian vision is challenged by the harsh realities of the island. The chaotic and dangerous environment contrasts sharply with his idealism, as seen in his exclamation, “All torment, trouble, wonder, and amazement / Inhabits here. Some heavenly power guide us / Out of this fearful country!” (The Tempest, Act 5, Scene 1, lines 227-229). This gap between his vision and reality underscores the idealism of his aspirations and serves as a critique of the flawed nature of human governance. The differing visions of rule in "The Tempest" reflect the complexities of power, ownership, and idealism. Prospero’s strategic and temporary control, Caliban’s rightful and emotional claim, and Gonzalo’s utopian aspirations offer a multifaceted exploration of leadership Yati 4 and governance. Through these characters, Shakespeare highlights the varied motivations and challenges inherent in ruling, ultimately questioning the nature of power and the possibility of an ideal society. Yati 5 Works Cited Shakespeare, William. The Tempest. England, 1610-1611. SparkNotes. The Tempest. SparkNotes. https://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/tempest/character/prospero/ SparkNotes. The Tempest. SparkNotes. https://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/tempest/character/caliban/ SparkNotes. The Tempest. SparkNotes. https://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/tempest/character/gonzalo/ YouTube. (2019d, September 30). The Tempest by William Shakespeare | characters. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luL1w6lJ11k&list=PLz_ZtyOWL9BSrdo71vKyg6Em3We1yzxc&index=2
