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The Tempest: Context (Politics (Shakespeare lived under King James'…
The Tempest: Context
Magic // Fantasy
Aneans and the Harpies
- The Aneid was written by a Roman poet. It is the story of a Trojan Hero Aneas who had an affair with Queen Dido (mentioned in act II scene 2).
- The journey from the wedding in Tunis back to Italy contains some similarities with the poem -- In act III scene 3 Shakespeare alludes to when the harpies steal food from the Aneas and tells Aneas to leave Italy. This is seen in the Tempest during the Masque.
Medea the sorceress
- Prospero's speech -- 'ye elves of hills, brocks, standing lakes, and groves'. Draws on another Roman poet - Ovid.
- In one of his books he writes about a witch 'Medea' who uses magic to bring a character back to life. Links back to Prospero when he reunites with Ferdinand and Alonso as Prospero was thought to be dead but is alive + Alonso thought Ferdinand was dead but is alive. Also, to magic in general.
At the time witches were greatly feared. Many women were burnt to death due to fear. King James' life was even attempted by witches in 1590.
Travel and Colonialism
Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas in 1492. All inhabitants of the areas // indigenous people, were cruelly treated and enslaved as they were different therefore, inferior.
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Most characters in the play think about being the king of the island. How to achieve it or hoe it would be -- Many countries competed to colonise first
Politics
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James I wrote a book for his son in which he specified that a ruler should not be too absorbed in his studies because it would neglect his royal duties -- Exactly why Prospero was overthrown
Arranged Royal marriages: Prospero is concerned to unify Milan and Naples through the marriage of Miranda and Ferdinand. Similarly, King James I was worried of the unity of his children for political reasons.
King James had attempted to unify his children (two devout Protestants) to Catholics. It failed -- In the play Alonso had arranged the marriage of his daughter Claribel (Christian) to the prince of Tunis (presumably a muslim).
Machiavelli ideology: The idea of a ruler using any means necessary to stay in power. Antonio is the perfect example of a 'Machiavelli' character who encourages Sebastian to overthrow his brother and gain the throne of Naples.
Spy: Ariel as a spy can also be interpreted as being influenced by the governments wide spy programmes etc.
Women
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They were used as an alliance through marriage. There was no discussion as they were raised inferior to men.
Disobedience was seen as a crime against religion. The church firmly believed this and reinforced this idea.
All titles would pass from father to son or brother to brother. Never to a woman (except through marriage)
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Power and Control
Social status, wealth, education and birth were the most important factors of the Elizabethan era.
Respect / superiority was expected to be shown to the wealthy and entitled, no matter the age.
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Similarly, how Caliban is treated.