Imperialism?

In the discussions of the Tempest, one controversial issue has been that is supports imperialism.  In Aime Cesaire’s rewrite a humorous version of the original The Tempest called A Tempest.  He enhances the idea of Imperialism in the play, making Caliban look even worse than what is portrayed in the real play.  Prospero describes him as “a savage… a dumb animal, a beast I educated, trained, dragged up from the bestiality that still clings to you.”  In the Play, Cesaire illustrates how imperialism is such a big part of the play.  On the other hand, George Will in his article Literary politics, expresses how many people read to far into literature.  He feels that the tempest doesn’t have anything to do with Imperialism.  He thinks that by people comparing The Tempest to imperialism “critics strip literature of its authority.” (112)  Stephen Greenblatt on the other hand agrees with Aime Cesaire’s view of The Tempest and how it relates to Imperialism.  He feels that the only way to truly understand literature is see how it applies to politics, and what is going on during that time period.  This is the same philosophy he applies to The Tempest, “It is similarly difficult to come to terms with what The Tempest has to teach us about forgiveness, wisdom, and social atonement if we do not also come to terms with its relations to colonialism.” (115)  Overall I agree with Greenblatt and Cesaire.  Imperialism did play a part in The Tempest whether we want to acknowledge it or not.  Imperialism was prominent during that time period and it is understandable that even Shakespeare was affected by it. I understand what George Will is saying.  I often feel that some people look to far into literature to get its meaning, but for me The Tempest had a strong pull toward Imperialism.