CALIBAN VS. PROSPERO: A POSTCOLONIAL READING OF SHAKESPEARE’S “THE TEMPEST”

Abstract

In postcolonial literary studies, which has developed in recent decades, an important role is played by the method of creative interpretation of classical texts, which are experiencing a rebirth, being filled with new political, ideological and universal content. The works of English prose writers, poets and playwrights are being reinterpreted and reassessed, and the image of an indigenous “savage” acquires unusual characteristics: now it is not a dangerous “alien” threatening the discoverers of new lands, but most often it is a victim of the messengers of European civilization. Especially a lot of such new readings are concentrated around the work of Shakespeare and, in particular, his dramaturgical works. The system of images and motives of Shakespeare’s testament play “The Tempest” sometimes receives an original interpretation in the light of postcolonial realities and neocolonialism important role in postcolonial literary studies which has developed in recent decades is played by the method of creative interpretation of classical texts that are experiencing a new birth, being filled with new political, ideological and universal content. Especially many of these new readings are centered around the work of Shakespeare and, in particular, his dramaturgical works. The system of images and motifs of Shakespeare’s testament play “The Tempest” sometimes receives an original interpretation in the light of postcolonial realities and neocolonialism.