Injustice for Justice: an Analysis on Equity in the the Tempest Essay Example

his own justice.

The injustice done to Prospero is the main catalyst of the play and this gives Prospero the power to create the general perspective of justice for the entire play. The form in which Shakespeare chooses to depict justice gives way to the idea that his intent was in fact to provide social commentary. The Tempest was written at the time of colonization. . Shakespeare, in his depiction of justice through Prospero and his abuse of power, makes a subliminal reference to colonialism. It is clear that the thought of conquest was present to Shakespeare in his placing the king's vessels in "the still-vexed Bermoothes", (1.2) which makes an indication towards the islands of Bermuda. This allows Shakespeare to address

Prospero, in relation to this idea, emerges as a colonist, whose presence on the island demands that Caliban, its native inhabitant, complies with his wishes and standards. Although he sees Caliban's lust and religion as evil, Prospero depends on Caliban's service for survival. Prospero also needs constant and loyal service from Ariel to recompensate for his having rescued him from Sycorax's imprisonment. The original act of kindness and humanity is rapidly exploited by Prospero once he recognizes what a powerful agent Ariel can be. He has exploited the island and as soon as its function ends, he decides to leave it. These actions all highlight Prospero's manipulation, abuse of power, and dominance in the master- to- servant relationship seen between himself, Ariel, and Caliban which directly refers back to the idea of justice in the Tempest being one- sided.

Although justice is a major theme in The Tempest, it is greatly

one sided. Shakespeare creates a character that holds all the power. With magic and with Ariel’s help, Prospero is able to have dominance over both nature and people. At nearly every point in the play, Prospero’s magic gives him total control—he always knows what will happen next, and he holds the ability to control what will happen next. At one point, Prospero even goes so far as to suggest that all of life is an illusion that vanishes with death: “We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep” (4.1.156-158). This philosophical outlook gives Prospero an air of knowledge and learnedness, thus also giving him an element of power and control in seeking his justice.

Prospero’s idea of justice and injustice is very hypocritical, though he is furious with his brother for taking his power, he does not have any remorse towards enslaving Ariel and Caliban in order to achieve his ends. Ariel repeatedely attempts to seek justice and freedom from Prospero when he states:

Is there more toil? Since thou dost give me pains,
Let me remember thee what thou hast promised,
Which is not yet performed me.(1.2 243-245)

Ariel is Prospero's servant, yet he is also his assisting companion. Ariel voluntarily does Prospero's work. He is loyal and yet Prospero sees him as a means to an end and manipulates Ariel's willingness. His manipulation is seen where he affirms: "Dost thou forget, from what a torment I did free thee? (1.2. 383-383) Prospero’s actions are contradictory. This exemplifies the idea that justice in the Tempest is primarily depicted as what is best for

Prospero.

Prospero's relationship with Caliban differs from that of Prospero and Ariel's. Prospero does not view Caliban as a being who could be his equal. He is blinded by his prejudice against Caliban's appearance and manners. Caliban is portrayed in a negative light. He can be seen as the depiction of the victims of colonial expansion. Although Prospero seeks this righteousness, he both mistreats and insults Caliban, who ultimately attempts to kill Prospero. In comparison to Ariel who acts only when commanded by Prospero, Caliban is wild. He refuses to be colonized and tamed. This can be taken as a reference by Shakespeare towards those who were more willing to be conquered and those who like Caliban, fought the resistance.

With that being said, Ariel also craved his freedom. Caliban is the offspring of the devil and a witch. While Ariel acts from reason and rationality, Caliban acts from instinct, like an animal. Prospero makes Caliban his slave, but Caliban is not pleased being a servant. Prospero attempts to teach Caliban the etiquette of the European man, but Caliban loves freedom. His relation with Prospero is tense because of Prospero’s controlling the island which was primarily Caliban’s. This is another example of Prospero’s use of injustice to fight for his own justice. The tension in Caliban and Prospero’s relationship is seen in Act Once Scene 2 where Caliban says

This island's mine, by Sycorax my mother,
Which thou tak'st from me. When thou cam'st first,
Thou strok'st me and made much of me, wouldst give me
Water with berries in't, and teach me how
To name the bigger light, and how the less,
That burn by day

and night; and then I lov'd thee,
And show'd thee all the qualities o' the isle,
The fresh springs, brine-pits, barren place and fertile.
Curs'd be I that did so! All the charms
Of Sycorax, toads, beetles, bats, light on you!
For I am all the subjects that you have,
Which first was mine own king.
And here you sty me in this hard rock
Whiles you do keep from me the rest of the island (1.2. 395-411)

Caliban’s outcome in the end of the The Tempest can be seen as a commentary from Shakespeare regarding the savage to master relationship. Caliban, although he was so strong willed towards Prospero, ends up apologizing to him for taking Stephano as his master. Prospero, at last, acknowledges Caliban, and takes him as his own. Stephano, Trinculo, and Caliban's plot is exposed to the whole group, and is immediately forgiven. This is also where the element of mercy is seen within justice. Prospero, in the end gets the justice he fought for yet he also shows mercy as the character in power.

Shakespeare depicts justice in this way for the sake of portraying justice as a notion of a group of people who were not freed, as seen in Caliban’s predicament. Shakespeare also gives the idea that justice cannot be given without the inclusion of mercy. As mentioned before, Caliban in Act V, is shown mercy along with all those who did wrong to Prospero. This is also seen where Prospero decides to not kill his brother and his companions. Prospero himself even asks for forgiveness from the audience in the epilogue. Although Prospero is a one sided character, he brings Justice into The

Tempest. Shakespeare, through Prospero, comments on not only major historical events occuring during his time but also general aspects of life such as justice and mercy, which make his works all the more timeless.