Tempest Shakespeare's the Tempest and Chamoiseau's Solibo Term Paper

Tempest

Shakespeare's the Tempest and Chamoiseau's Solibo Magnificent

Slavery

Slavery is one of the central themes in The Tempest. However, there are many different levels of slavery included other than the typical master and servant relationship that is based on ownership. There are also instances of mental kind of slavery that it carried out by Prospero who can control the minds of others. The two forms of slavery are closely intertwined in a system of such strict domination that is found in the feudalist structure of the society in the story. For example, the slave, being under total submission is weakened mentally and more susceptible to mental control. This is portrayed on different levels and by several different characters in the story. This type of domination is also present in Solibo Magnificent through the senseless beating and police misconduct which is used as a form of control.

The best example of slavery in The Tempest is illustrated by Ariel who is Prospero's slave. Ariel is officially a slave of Prospero in the traditional sense however Prospero promised that if Ariel was a loyal and obedient servant that he would grant him his freedom in exchange for his servitude. However, when Ariel reminds Prospero of his deal that he has made with him, "I have done thee worthy service, / Told thee no lies, made thee no mistakings, serv'd / Without or grudge or grumblings" (1.2.246-48). Yet Prospero does not honor this deal and bursts into a rage and threats to return Ariel to his former imprisonment and torment.This can also be illustrated by Doudou Menar who was beaten to death in Chamoiseau's story. This serves as an example of both actual and a form of mental slavery in the story.

Magic

The magic in the Tempest as one of its themes is undoubtedly related to the period in which it was written and the culture in which Shakespeare wrote the play with as a background. Although the public in Shakespeare's time largely believed that magic such as "black magic" was largely a result of simple and crude magic tricks that really were nothing more than simple tricks. That is most people recognized that there was nothing actually magical or supernatural in what was often referred to as witchcraft. However, there were still witch hunts and persecutions practiced by a small minority of the population and as a consequence the inclusion of witch craft was kind of a controversial political topic in some circles. The same elements is also illustrated by Solibo can be illustrated through the oral tradition which is used to tell stories and its contrast between the scientific, formal, orderly, and cause and effect many of us take for granted and use to explain the world today.

The use of magic in the play was even more of a controversial element due to the fact that Prospero was presented in a largely good light. Many of the observers who believed in witch craft may….....