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Lit Notes

The lecture on 'The Tempest' explores whether it serves as a simple comedy or a complex allegory for European colonialism. It contrasts traditional interpretations of reconciliation and magic with post-colonial readings that highlight the power dynamics between Prospero, Caliban, and Ariel, examining themes of colonization and cultural imposition. Key terms such as 'Othering' and 'Hegemony' are introduced, and the lecture concludes with a reminder about upcoming assignments.

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3 views2 pages

Lit Notes

The lecture on 'The Tempest' explores whether it serves as a simple comedy or a complex allegory for European colonialism. It contrasts traditional interpretations of reconciliation and magic with post-colonial readings that highlight the power dynamics between Prospero, Caliban, and Ariel, examining themes of colonization and cultural imposition. Key terms such as 'Othering' and 'Hegemony' are introduced, and the lecture concludes with a reminder about upcoming assignments.

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Gio Carlos
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Class: ENG 232 - Shakespeare: The Later Plays

Professor: Dr. Isabel Reed


Date: November 8, 2023
Topic: Lecture: "The Tempest" and the Specter of Colonialism

I. Central Question:
Is The Tempest a straightforward comedy about reconciliation and magic, or is it a
problematic allegory for European colonialism?
II. Detailed Notes:
A. Traditional Reading: The Romance
 Prospero as the wise magician, restoring order.
 Themes of forgiveness (Prospero to Alonso, Antonio), redemption, and the
magic of art (the masque).
 The island as a blank slate for personal transformation.
B. Post-Colonial Reading (Critics like Stephen Greenblatt, Ania Loomba)
This reading focuses on the power dynamics between Prospero, Caliban, and Ariel.
1. Prospero as Colonizer
 Arrives on the island, imposes his language, culture, and system of rule.
 Uses his knowledge (his "magic"/technology) to subjugate the native
inhabitants.
 Justifies his rule by painting Caliban as a savage "other" – a "poisonous
slave," a "demi-devil."
2. Caliban as the Colonized
 His name is an anagram for "Cannibal" (from the Latin Carib), a term
Europeans used to dehumanize indigenous peoples of the Americas.
 His famous speech asserts his native claim to the island: "This island's
mine, by Sycorax my mother, / Which thou tak'st from me." (Act I,
Scene 2).
 He is forced to learn Prospero's language: "You taught me language, and my
profit on't / Is, I know how to curse."
 He is controlled through threats of physical pain (Prospero's magic).
3. Ariel as the "Obedient" Colonized Subject
 Represents a different response to colonization: cooperation and service in
hopes of freedom.
 Contrasted with Caliban's rebelliousness. Sparks debate: Is Ariel complicit?
Pragmatic?
C. Stylistic Notes:
 The Masque in Act IV: A symbol of imposed order, art, and civilization. It's
a performance for the elite (Ferdinand and Miranda) that is abruptly
interrupted by the chaotic, vengeful plot of Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo –
representing the "savage" reality that cannot be fully suppressed.
III. Important Terms:
 Post-Colonial Criticism
 "Othering"
 Hegemony
 Discourse of Power
IV. Next Week:
We conclude The Tempest and begin our unit on the problem plays. Essay #2
on The Tempest or King Lear is due next Friday.

These notes are intended for personal study use only by a student of this class.
Distribution without the author's permission is prohibited.

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