Write an essay on The Tempest by Shakespeare

At its core, The Tempest is about control and manipulation. Prospero, the main character in the play, holds immense power over his enemies through magic and illusion. He manipulates them into believing whatever he wishes them to believe in order to get revenge on those who have wronged him in the past. This serves as an interesting commentary on how easily people can be manipulated through false realities and lies if one has enough power or influence over them.

Through Prospero’s control of his enemies (Ariel and Caliban) he also explores themes such as subjugation versus freedom—with Ariel representing freedom from oppression while Caliban represents subjugation under oppression—as well as forgiveness versus vengeance—in particular when Miranda expresses her desire for forgiveness instead of revenge towards Prospero’s adversaries at the end of the play.

The plot of The Tempest revolves around Prospero’s efforts to bring resolution to his own story—and ultimately succeeds in doing so with help from Ariel and Caliban—while also providing social commentary on colonialism by presenting characters such as Alonso (the King of Naples), Antonio (Prospero’s usurping brother), Gonzalo (Alonso’s courtier) who represent different aspects of European colonialism during Shakespeare’s era. Through these characters especially Ariel and Caliban – both slaves–Shakespeare conveys that those oppressed by colonization should not feel compelled to forgive their oppressors but instead take charge of their own lives by claiming their independence free from oppressive forces like Alonso or Antonio.. Moreover it contrasts two worlds: one where enslavement exists at the hands of foreigners (dominated by Alonso/Antonio); against another world where freedom prevails among native inhabitants (represented mainly by Miranda).

Throughout The Tempest, we are reminded that justice often comes after adversity has been endured; this thematic element resonates particularly strongly throughout Shakespearean literature because it reflects upon morality rather than just material gain or preservation–a reminder that true justice requires more than mere luck or even strength alone but requires compassion for all involved parties in order to thrive . Furthermore ,through several instances within The Tempest including Ferdinand-Miranda relationship which transcends racial differences ,Shakespeare advocates for equality between men regardless race etc showing us how love could bridge any barriers imposed due societal differences .

Overall ,The Tempest provides modern readers with valuable insight into humanity’s inner workings; From illustrating how physical environment influences behavior( island)to exploring themes such economic disparity between rich-poor ,power dynamics between rulers-slaves ,justice-revenge etc .This timeless classic still continues depict complex emotions /relationships through masterful use imagery ;bringing together elements poetry along with music thus allowing us view events stage related back circumstances our current century making it relevant even today .