Theme+Analysis

Power Racism Classism Colonialism/Imperialism Fear Slavery Fantasy Witchcraft/Wizardry Deception Threat

People with power take advantage of people without power and spirits. Prospero uses Caliban who is of a dark skin tone, racism. Deception is used to gain power. Threatens in order to gain power.

Questions: Why does Shakespeare use fantasy in his work - what does Ariel represent? What is the meaning of the quote, "You taught me language and and my profit on't Is, I know how to curse" (20) Is there a connection between the modern world and the setting of the Tempest? Why is Caliban so mistreated? Did Caliban really try to rape Miranda? Who is Ferdinand's character, and what does he represent? What really happened to Caliban's Mother? Is Caliban really better off with Prospero, than if he had been brought up by his mother?