Shakespeare's "The Tempest"

Paper Summary:

This paper points out parallels between philosopher Michael Foucault's work and "The Tempest" and relates that the topic of both works revolves around the topic of justice. The author argues that Prospero's behavior in Shakespeare's "The Tempest" represents a shift from a medieval power structure to one that is institutionalized and which takes power from the individual and gives it to society. The paper comments that Prospero's main conflict was not with his brothers but rather with the centralized power that they represented.

From the Paper:

"Prospero has to design a tactic for each individual. This demonstrates great intelligence and adaptability. The first stage of the plan was to separate them and take away their power in numbers. He knew that he would be overthrown if he were not able to do this. Therefore he first isolated his "guests" and gave them a display of his power. The prison cell had much the same effect. Foucault goes to great lengths to explain and give examples of how the prison cell acts of isolate and convey the sense of power to the convict. The jailor has complete control over the prisoner."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Alexander, Peter, ed. William Shakespeare: The Complete Works. London: Collins, 1951.
• Foucault, Michel. Discipline and Punish: the Birth of the Prison, Trans. Alan Sheridan. New York: Random House. 1977.

More papers on Shakespeare's "The Tempest":

• Essay # 71231 : "The Tempest"
• Analytical Essay # 90549 : "William Shakespeare's "The Tempest"
• Essay # 89470 : "'The Tempest' "
• Analytical Essay # 122562 : "The Tempest" and Paradise"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: