Power Relations in Literature of Early Modern Period

Abstract

This paper attempts to highlight the power relations being established through either by force or by consent of these colonized people residing in the New World. The focus of the study is how these people were represented in the literary works of Early Modern period. Shakespeare’s plays written in this period are reckoned representative of this age of discovery and exploration. His plays project the political, historical and religious conflicts of the time. This power struggle between European explorers and the Natives emerging in new found lands is also depicted in his plays. “The Tempest” which is now perceived as colonial text; was written in 1611 marks the beginning British attempts to settlements in America under the rule of James I. The power struggle between the settlers and the Natives in America and the Island of Prospero will be compared and discussed in this paper. The historical background of early exploration expeditions, the political and religious motivational drive that led to these journeys will be taken into account in order to understand the concept exploration in relation to Early Modern period. The power imbalance in religious domination that was prevalent in Europe between the Catholics and the Protestants is also regarded as one of the most consequential factors in formation of colonies and settlements in other parts of the world. Hadfield says that while “attempting to reconstruct the history of 16^th century political debate that one cannot easily separate contemporary political works from fictional material” (Hadfield 1). These historical, political and religious factors will be taken into account before the analysis of power play presented in “The Tempest”. Moreover, the study will help the students of English literature to understand the new aspects of early modern period.