What is a theme?
Themes are the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a literary work.
MAGIC- "The Tempest" is known for being one of the most magical of Shakespeare's plays. The reason for Prospero and Miranda's exile is due to the fact that Prospero is a magician or uses his "art" to control the world that they live in. Historically this play was written in a time of exploration of new and unknown lands that often times appeared strange and magical to the explorers.
Prospero
Prospero's books symbolize his magic power – and in this play, knowledge is power. However, the books also represent his vulnerability as he was studying was when Antonio took his power.
Caliban
Caliban is the spawn of the witch Sycorax. Though he has now real magical powers he does seem to take on or mimic the attitudes of the people he comes in contact with. Caliban falls into a category of mythical creatures like Grendel of "Beowulf" and Gollum of Tokens "Lord of the Rings."
Arial and other spirits under Prospero's control.
Justice and Revenge
There is a fine line between what the characters feel is justice (moral rightness) and what truly is revenge (a punishment done in the name of vengeance). In Act 1 Prospero sends Ariel to terrify those aboard the on coming ship with Prospero's brother, family, friends and crew with a storm and fire that forces the party to become shipwrecked. Prospero takes the shipwrecked party captive to manipulate at will. Prospero sees this as just since they all had a hand in banishing him and Miranda.
Colonization
There is and underlying theme regarding colonization. During the time of this play the English colonial movement was underway. The way the character's in The Tempest perceived Caliban as some creature and conceived in witchcraft was a very common train of thought for people who would come upon a new tribe in the New World. The way Prospero and others treated Caliban the native, as a slave to do the grunt work was another common happening amongst those who colonized other nations.
An Important Symbol/Chess
You may think that associating the game of chess with this play is a little of a stretch but it is not. In the game of chess the goal is to capture your opponent's pieces and takeover as king.This is exactly the goal of Prospero. He sets a storm, (his plan of attack) and captures his opponent(s). In the end Miranda and Ferdinand are playing chess.
Note: Refer to the Maps page to see how everyone is moved and manipulated around the island.
Note: Refer to the Maps page to see how everyone is moved and manipulated around the island.