This document provides an analysis of Shakespeare's play The Tempest as a postcolonial work. It discusses key concepts of colonialism and post-colonialism. The character of Prospero is presented as a colonial master, while Ariel and Caliban represent different experiences of colonized peoples. Ariel serves Prospero willingly as a slave, whereas Caliban resists colonization and is portrayed more aggressively as the rightful owner of the island. The analysis examines how post-colonial adaptations like Aimé Césaire's Une Tempête shift perspectives to highlight the oppression of colonialism.

1. Name: Nikunj Bhatti
Roll no.:17
M.A. Semester: 3
Enrollment No.: 14101005
Year: 2014-16
Paper no.: 10
Email id.: nikunjbhatti332@gmail.com
Submitted to: Department of English
Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University
A Tempest” as a Postcolonial play

2. What is colonialism and
Post-colonialism
Theme of colonialism
Prospero as a Master
Ariel as a slave
Character of Caliban

3. What is colonialism?
The control and governing influence of a
nation over a dependent country, territory, or
people.
What is Post-colonialism?
Post-colonialism mean after colonialism. Post-
colonialism is the study of a culture after the
physical and political withdrawal of an oppressive
power.

4. What is Tempest ?
A violent, windstorm especially one
with rain, hail, or snow

5. Cesaire also has a conscious politician aim in
reworking The Tempest his play keenly examines
key issues and themes of the original in the light of
Post-colonial criticism
The imperialist themes of “A Tempest” have often
been noted by post-colonial critics, with Prospero
being seen as an European overlord and Caliban as
a victim of this colonist oppression.
Theme of colonialism

6. In The Tempest Prospero was at the
centre but in A Tempest Caliban is at
centre.
He generates the plot of the play single-
handedly
Prospero is the Duke of Milan
Father of Miranda, Master of Ariel and
Caliban
Prospero as a Master

7. He is sympathetic character in that he was
wronged by his usurping brother, but his
absolute power over the other characters
and his overwrought speeches make him
difficult to like. In out first glimpse of him,
he appears puffed up and self important.

8. Ariel is a mulatto slave rather
than a spirit.
His helplessness that forced
him to serve Prospero
Ariel as the willing servant.
Better treated but still a
captive.
Ariel as a slave

9. Early in the play, Ariel reports the plot to murder
Prospero, and later, he assists in punishing
Prospero's enemies. Ariel's obedience is an
important symbol of Prospero's humanity,
because he ameliorates Prospero's role on the
island and humanizes the action that Prospero
takes against his old adversaries.
Finally, Ariel's willing obedience of Prospero's
wishes stands in stark contrast to Caliban's
cursing and plotting against the same master.

10. PROSPERO: Well, Ariel?
ARIEL: Mission accomplished.
PROSPERO: Bravo; good work! But what seems to be the matter? I give you
a compliment and you don't seem pleased? Are you tired?
ARIEL: Not tired; disgusted. I obeyed you but ? why not come out with it ? I
did so most unwillingly. It was a real pity to see that great ship go
down, so full of life.
PROSPERO: Oh, so you're upset, are you! It's always like that with
intellectuals! So be it! What interests me is not your moods, but
your deeds. Let's split: I’ll take the zeal and you can keep your
doubts. Agreed?
ARIEL: Master, I must beg you to spare me this kind of labor.

11. Caliban, a villainous
island native, the
deformed son of a witch
named Sycorax, who
ruled the island before
Prospero arrived. He now
works as Prospero's slave
but despises him. In the
play, he is known to have
said many colorful curses.
Character of Caliban

12. Having language.
Shifts perspective from
colonial to post colonial.
Caliban having Power.
Symbolized as third world
country.
Enslavement caused by
their race.
Presented as colonized
with more aggression.

13. Prospero Ariel
Colonizer Colonized

14. Prospero Caliban
Colonizer Colonized