Research Paper on:
Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”: Colonization and the Brave New World

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
Shakespeares pen penetrated some of the most intriguing societal issues and events of his time. Not only is Shakespeare noted for his transformation of English blank  verse into powerfully moving and melodic forms of expression, he is noted for his use of drama to accentuate the historical developments which he saw occurring all around him.  "The Tempest" is particularly exemplary in this regard. Although "The Tempest" would be Shakespeares last play it depicted a particularly powerful turning point in history, a point when such  themes as atonement and forgiveness would take secondary emphasis to the transition of the world toward colonialism and the industrialization which would follow. Although during Shakespeares time England was  largely consumed with a situation which would put England at odds with other Catholic European powers, England managed to not only persevere but to advance in status to become one  of the worlds greatest colonizers. "The Tempest" offers an interesting glimpse into some of the elements which were at play during this advancement.  In "The Tempest" Shakespeare not only references key historical events which were unfolding in the world but uses his rich and varied character base to symbolize these developments.  Prosperos relationship with his two servants, Ariel and Caliban, is particularly suggestive of the master/servant relationship which was coming into play around the world as technological advancements set the stage  for international trade and the English domination of the so-called "wilderness" of the areas they would colonize. Consequent to this colonization was an appropriation of resources and indigenous peoples  alike. On first consideration "The Tempest" is a rather simply story of the exile of the sorceror Prospero and his infant daughter Miranda