Shakespeare’s Powerful use of Characterization in The...

Shakespeare’s Powerful use of Characterization in The Tempest In The Tempest, Shakespeare investigates the process of creativity as well as the idea that knowledge is equivalent to power. The Bard draws on both Christian and Aristotelian philosophy to support the premise that morality and creativity are made possible only through the acquisition of knowledge. The characters of Prospero, Ariel, Caliban, and Miranda each represent a different factor in the creative process: knowledge, creativity, medium, and final product, art. Yet they represent something else, as well: the deep divide between the social classes. The same imagery used to illustrate the creative process is used to support the European class system and the subjugation†¦show more content†¦This concept of the magician resulted from the synchretism of Neo-Platonic thought with Christian belief (60). The magician lived in a universe comprised of three worlds, the elemental, the celestial, and the intellectual[]and the magus is he who seeks to ascend up through all three worl ds to the Creator whose divine power he will secure (61). Although this view would be somewhat objectionable to King James and many Christians of the time, Prosperos presence in the play as a heroic figure would be acceptable because of his good intentions (61). Prospero may not be a magician at all (James 62). This may only be an assumption made by the reader or viewer (64). Prospero speaks of my Art, but he carries out no magic himself (62). In fact, the books that Caliban believes supply this power are of the liberal arts, and not about magic at all (62). Because Caliban did not understand and could not explain how Prospero did what he did, Prosperos abilities would seem like magic. Allowing for this interpretation would help to make the play even more acceptable to James I. The problem of having a benevolent character who practices magic would no longer exist (64). If not a magician, then Prospero is a wise man or an artist. Though wise, he is a human being and is fallible; but he is equipped with the knowledge that will help him to make ethical decisions. Prospero strugglesShow MoreRelatedIs Love An Unattainable Ideal? Essay1388 Words   |  6 Pages138†, Shakespeare analyzes love in a specific manner. He looks inward to inspect a relationship between him and a woman, also known as The Dark Lady, and paints a much different picture of love than in â€Å"Sonnet 116†, in specific terms. 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