Let’s assume both Prospero and Caliban are archetypal symbols. How might this change our reading of the play today? (MEG 103) (‘The Tempest’ by William Shakespeare)

If we assume that both Prospero and Caliban are archetypal symbols, it could significantly change our reading of "The Tempest" today. Archetypes are universal symbols or patterns that are present in the collective unconscious of all humans, and they often represent fundamental aspects of human experience and personality. Viewing Prospero and Caliban through an archetypal lens could highlight the play's deeper, more symbolic themes and meanings.

One possible archetypal interpretation of Prospero is that he represents the archetype of the wise old man. This archetype is often associated with knowledge, guidance, and the ability to reconcile opposing forces. From this perspective, Prospero's actions in the play could be seen as a metaphor for the process of inner transformation and growth. Prospero's journey from anger and revenge to forgiveness and reconciliation could be interpreted as a symbolic representation of the human journey towards self-awareness and enlightenment.

Caliban, on the other hand, could be interpreted as representing the archetype of the wild man. This archetype is often associated with the untamed, instinctual aspects of human nature, and with the forces of nature itself. From this perspective, Caliban's struggle with Prospero could be seen as a metaphor for the struggle between civilization and the natural world. Caliban's eventual redemption and reconciliation with Prospero could represent a reconciliation between these opposing forces, and a recognition of the importance of balancing our instinctual, wild side with our rational, civilized side.

Viewing "The Tempest" through an archetypal lens could thus deepen our understanding of the play's themes and meanings, highlighting its universal relevance and its exploration of fundamental aspects of the human experience. It could also offer new ways of interpreting the characters and their actions, allowing us to see them as symbols of larger patterns and forces that transcend the individual personalities and actions of the characters themselves.