Status, Race & Pronouns

Q: Status

_The Tempest_ explores the lack of social mobility (ability to move between social classes) in Jacobean England and the huge difference between the rich and poor.

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Status

The Tempest explores the lack of social mobility (ability to move between social classes) in Jacobean England and the huge difference between the rich and poor.

Authority at sea

King Alonso and his assembly are reminded that the captain is the authority at sea. But they do not readily accept this.
This conflict reflects the English rebellion that was happening during the King James’ reign.
King James I was famous for his extravagance and grand masques.
- These parties strongly highlighted the differences between rich and poor - especially as the poor were taxed increasingly to pay them. The poor eventually staged a rebellion.

Born to serve

Stephano and Trinculo were born into a society in which they were forced to serve others for life.
For this reason, they eagerly respond to Caliban’s offer to become his master. This is their only realistic chance of feeling superior to someone else.
Stephano almost becomes drunk on the idea. Although it is a comedic scene, it also quite tragic to the modern audience who live in a meritocracy.

Race

Caliban is treated as inferior by the other characters - largely because he is a different race to them.

Caliban is treated as inferior

Caliban is treated as inferior to everyone else because of his race, appearance and because he is the son of that 'damned witch Sycorax.'
He is treated as inferior to the female character Miranda. Given that Shakespeare was writing in a patriarchal era, whereby women were considered inferior to men, this shows how little respect the other characters give Caliban.

'Sty

Caliban complains 'here you sty me' in Act 1, Scene 2.
- 'Sty' is used as if it were a verb. This implies that he was treated like an animal kept in a pigpen.

Dehumanisation of Caliban

Caliban is referred to with the pronoun__'it'__.
This dehumanises and degrades him: 'Tis a villain, sir'. This is especially degrading coming from a woman (Miranda).
According to Elizabethan and Jacobean society, beasts were below women in the social hierarchy. So there is some ambiguity here.
- Caliban tries to 'violate' Miranda because he believes he has the right to as a man. But these uncivilised actions make him appear beastly to those from civilised European countries.

Caliban's connection to the island

Caliban embraces the island. He says: '…the isle is full of noises, / Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight, and hurt not.'
Caliban’s speech about the island is written in iambic pentameter. It sounds quite lyrical. This shows his admiration for his homeland and reflects the magical quality it has.
The island unnerves characters from Europe - Stephano and Trinculo see Caliban as a 'devil' and 'monster'.

Pronoun Usage in Jacobean England

Pronouns were used carefully to signify power and control in social interactions.

Use of pronouns

People used pronouns to indicate superiority in Jacobean England.
The second person pronoun 'you' had to be used when addressing more than one person or to show respect.

Pronouns in love

Miranda and Ferdinand show their mutual respect by addressing each other as 'you'.
Miranda asks Ferdinand Do you love me?' which is sweet and highlights her innocence.
Her question also empowers Ferdinand because he is in control of the response.
Ferdinand’s response is: '…I / Beyond all limit of what else i’ th’ world, / Do love, prize, honour you'. His response neutralises the power balance because he places himself below Miranda - to 'honour' and 'prize' her.

Addressing inferiors

In contrast, 'thou' was often used by superiors when speaking to their inferiors, who would reply with 'you'.
For example, Gonzalo speaks down to the Boatswain: 'yet remember whom thou has aboard,' and in return, the Boatswain replies: 'you are a counsellor.'

Pronoun snobbery

Antonio and Sebastian mock Gonzalo when he tries to comfort the King.
Antonio says: 'Fie, what a spendthrift is he of his tongue.'
- Sebastian and Antonio are both related to monarchs, while Gonzalo depends on remaining in favour with the King to keep his noble status.
This mockery puts Gonzalo clearly below the noblemen. But the audience has grown fond of Gonzalo by this point because he has done nothing but faithfully serve both Prospero and Alonso.
This scene only highlights the cruel characteristics of Antonio and Sebastian.