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Literary Devices
Definition of Allegory
An allegory is a work that conveys a hidden meaning—usually moral, spiritual, or political—through the use of symbolic characters and events. The story of "The Tortoise and The Hare" is... read full definition
An allegory is a work that conveys a hidden meaning—usually moral, spiritual, or political—through the use of symbolic characters and events. The story of "The... read full definition
An allegory is a work that conveys a hidden meaning—usually moral, spiritual, or political—through the use of symbolic characters and... read full definition
Act 1, scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Colonialism:
Some modern critics view The Tempest as an allegory about the negative influence of colonialism. The relationship between Prospero, Ariel, and Caliban supports this analysis. Prospero enslaves both Ariel and Caliban to do his dirty work on the island. Although Prospero performs incredible magic, he does so in a tyrannical way. His rule of the island depends upon his hard-hearted treatment of its inhabitants. For instance, when he commands Caliban to fetch firewood in Act 1, Scene 2, he uses derogatory epithets:
We cannot miss him. He does make our fire,
Fetch in our wood, and serves in offices
That profit us. What, ho! slave! Caliban!
Thou earth, thou, speak!
Related Themes:
Act 2, scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Colonialism:
Some modern critics view The Tempest as an allegory about the negative influence of colonialism. The relationship between Prospero, Ariel, and Caliban supports this analysis. Prospero enslaves both Ariel and Caliban to do his dirty work on the island. Although Prospero performs incredible magic, he does so in a tyrannical way. His rule of the island depends upon his hard-hearted treatment of its inhabitants. For instance, when he commands Caliban to fetch firewood in Act 1, Scene 2, he uses derogatory epithets:
Unlock with LitCharts A+We cannot miss him. He does make our fire,
Fetch in our wood, and serves in offices
That profit us. What, ho! slave! Caliban!
Thou earth, thou, speak!
Related Themes:
Act 5, scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Colonialism:
Some modern critics view The Tempest as an allegory about the negative influence of colonialism. The relationship between Prospero, Ariel, and Caliban supports this analysis. Prospero enslaves both Ariel and Caliban to do his dirty work on the island. Although Prospero performs incredible magic, he does so in a tyrannical way. His rule of the island depends upon his hard-hearted treatment of its inhabitants. For instance, when he commands Caliban to fetch firewood in Act 1, Scene 2, he uses derogatory epithets:
Unlock with LitCharts A+We cannot miss him. He does make our fire,
Fetch in our wood, and serves in offices
That profit us. What, ho! slave! Caliban!
Thou earth, thou, speak!
Related Themes:
