Royal pains in the arse, the medieval way

The Tempest opens with a scene that is more revealing than it appears at first.  We are immediately shown the difference in personalities between the upper and lower classes. The “lower” or working class is definitely better at being efficient and able to think on their feet especially when facing dangerous situations.  The upper class always seem to be coming from their egoes consistently putting down the lower class while actually getting in the way and causing much of the inefficiency that they later will use to belittle the lower class.  The lower class prove themselves more intelligent as they demonstrate their ability to see the bigger and deeper picture of everything surrounding them while the upper classes remain blinded by their own inferiority complexes.  The uppers are so preoccupied with themselves and their own voices they can’t hear anyone but themselves.   The nasty Antonio asks the Boatswain: “Where is the Master, Boson?”  Boatswain:  “Do you not hear him?  You mar our labor.  Keep your cabins–you do assist the storm.”  (Act I, sc. 1, lines 12 -14)  The boatswain realistically tells the uppers that the storm doesn’t give a damn who is on the ship, and right now, they’re assisting it’s destructive power.  Yet the nobles simply insult him and come right back moments later just to spout off their own egoes.  By the end, however, these bumbling noble schnooks are praying for their lives (and no one elses) as the efficient boatswain saves all their asses while swigging liquor with calm confidence. (my kinda guy!)

~ by dirtworshipper on April 26, 2007.