In The Tempest, the natural world is presented in a variety of ways through different characters. Prospero has the ability to control nature through his education and the use of Ariel and the teachings of Caliban. Caliban himself represents nature as he is seen by many to be a product of nature. It is fair to view him as being a native on the island as it all he grown to know. Miranda, Prospero's daughter is a product of his renaissance education. He is able to control her through his patriarchal status. In the opening scene we see that nature has the ability to override hierarchy. All of the Europeans have different initial perspectives towards nature however towards the end of the play, they all seem to change. Gonzalo is the only European with a different perspective on nature. His ideal world is eutopic. In The Tempest, the island is enchanted and is set to look normal, untouched and uninhabited, however it is a new world, that is of the supernatural bodies and acts.

Almost immediately, during the opening scene of the play, the natural world is presented to be more powerful and dominative over human civilization. As Prospero

When they will not give a doit to relieve a lame beggar,

Who though they are of monstrous shape, yet note

And women too, but innocent and pure;

For certes these are people of the island -

controls nature, in this case it is the storm (the tempest), it tends to override class and hierarchy as the Boatswain, who represents a lower class citizen, cares not about status of himself and the king or those present on board. He soon becomes the one with the power most capable to deal with the storm. 'You mar our labour. Keep your cabins - you do assist the storm...When the sea is. Hence! What cares these roarers for the name of the king?'

Caliban in a way represents the indigenous person of the island. He may be perceived as being a product of nature. Caliban is a preacher of the earth. Many times throughout the play he is said to be half-fish, half-monster and to have a strong horrid odour. He is also seen as being sub-human as he was a product of failed nurture. It was Prospero who tried to civilize him however Caliban retained his mother's immorality by attempting to rape Miranda. In a way this act was justified as Caliban's intentions were to populate his island with more of himself. This act was conducted so that he could fulfil his natural urges. One thing to note is that although this act may be justified when referring to Caliban as an animal or product of nature, Prospero educated him so he should have seen the immoral value in it from a European point of view. In Australia, ever since the discovery of the aborigines, the Europeans have tried countless times to civilize them, in particular with the stolen generation. It all ended with disastrous effects like that towards Caliban and Prospero. Caliban does have his poetic and civilized side to him that shows he is capable of human understanding and moral values as well as proving the statement that he is sub-human. It is the speech below that shows that the island is delightful as well as painful. Caliban shows an appreciation towards the sensual, ecstasy of the island. We see different view to the Caliban, than that portrayed in the play constantly cursing others, as it shows a sense of humanity in his perceptions. This shows how nature is able to open and show the true nature of the person.

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Approximate Word count = 2018
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)