Authority Struggle in Tempest

A detailed Summary of Authority Struggle in Tempest

The Tempest: Is It Series of Treacheries and Rebellions?

Yes the play consists of "a series of rebellion, treacheries, mutinies and conspiracies against authority" but the overall view of the dramatic action is much more complex. Many other aspects and themes such as illusion and the supernatural (magic) also play a very important part in shaping the plot.

Power struggle is evident from the beginning, way back when Prospero's brother, Antonio, seized his status as Duke of Milan and banished him to a barren place and left for dead. "In scene 2.1, pg 141, Sebastian remarks, "I remember/You did supplant your brother Prospero." And Antonio replies, "True;/ And look how well my garment sit upon me,". Antonio betrayed Prospero, and yet he feels no remorse for his treacherous act: 'I feel not/ This deity in my bosom", his conscience is not bothered by what he did to Prospero. Another sibling conspiracy in the play came in Act II when Sebastian is encouraged by Antonio to kill his brother, Alonso, which would put him next in line for the throne but first, they attempted to kill Gonzalo, the Alonso's faithful advisor. Scene 2.1, pg "Draw together,/and when I rear my hand do you the like/TO fall it (the sword) on Gonzalo." Their

I' th' afternoon to sleep. There thou mayst brain him

However, he does command presence and hold superiority over them; Ariel is owes him for freeing her from entrapment and he uses Ariel to subdue Caliban. Ferdinand is only compliant because Prospero has something that he wants...Miranda, his daughter.

Batter his skull, or paunch him with a stake

Magic (the supernatural) and Illusion entwined are dominant themes that shape the entire story and they both have a profound effect on the events that take place. For example, the storm that brought the king's court to the island at the beginning of the play was orchestrated by Ariel and Prospero. Another major part of the play that contributed to illusion, was the masque. The masque, brought about by Ariel's magic, was the ceremony of celebration of the unity of Ferdinand and Miranda. But it is built on sheer illusion and wishful thinking, what he'd like to see happen in the future, not only between Miranda and Ferdinand but symbolizing reconciliation between those who wronged him, starting anew, a clean slate. According to The York Notes it is " characteristic of a mixture of improbabilities, love, magic and miraculous reconciliations ." (48).

Having fisrt seized his books; or with a log

An important factor in authority struggle is the illusion of authority, who i

Some common words found in the essay are:
Trinculo Stephano, Ariel Hast, Rebellions Yes, Gonzalo Alonso's, Alonso Gonzalo, Prospero Antonio, York Notes, Ariel Prospero, Ariel Caliban, Caliban Ferdinand, authority ultimately, scene 21 pg, scene 21, illusion authority, dramatic action, ultimately charge, ariel caliban, prospero feels, york notes, ariel prospero, 21 pg, authority ultimately charge,

Approximate Word count = 903
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English