In Discussions Of ____, They Say ____, And I Say Something Else

In discussions of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, one controversial issue has been whether or not Shakespeare meant to convey a particular message on colonialism. On the one hand, George Will argues that by, “politically decoding, or otherwise attacking the meaning of literary works, critics strip literature of its authority. Criticism displaces literature and critics displace authors as bestowers of meaning.” On the other hand, Stephen Greenblatt contends that the a exploration of, “the painful, messy struggles over rights and values, the political and sexual and ethical dilemmas that great art has taken upon itself to articulate and grapple with,” is the key to catalyzing progress and preventing cultural conformity. Poet, essayist, and playwright Aime Cesaire even maintains that The Tempest can be viewed as a direct parallel to his own experiences pertaining to France’s colonization of Africa. However, my own view is slightly less melodramatic and a bit more realistic. Great literature, that which withstands the test of time, is dynamic. It is valued for its beautiful and poignant construction, and for its daring attempt to convey a significantly relevant and impacting message. Many books present thought provoking messages, but they have been overlooked and forgotten because the way in which their message was presented did not affect society to the point of alteration. In the same way, Shakespeare’s The Tempest hints at imperialistic influences but also expresses commentary on many more slightly uncomfortable topics. Prospero is not merely symbolic of a slave owner, but a man in possession of unlimited power, the ability to manipulate anyone and anything. Thus, the ethics of his situation are expanded to encompass a broad range of societal topics. Additionally, Shakespeare’s plays are priceless examples of the success of the art of writing due to the complex yet fascinating plot structures and eloquent language he employs. To emphasize any one of these aspects while simultaneously abandoning the rest constitutes the real definition of devaluing literature.