The struggle to power

Throughout our readings this semester, the struggle for power has been evident in many of Shakespeare’s plays. In Richard III and Hamlet actions of power hungry characters dominates the plot. As we begin reading The Tempest similar actions have developed which insinuate a usurpation of power by family members. Is it any coincidence that in each of these plays a brother seeks to take another siblings power as ruler? In Richard III Richard of Gloucester schemes in eliminating contenders for the throne. Not only does he kill his brother but his nephews as well. In Hamlet King Hamlets brother Claudius kills him in order to gain power as ruler of Denmark. Lastly in The Tempest we see Antonio take his brother Prospero’s position as Duke of Milan. It is interesting to note that in each of these instances it is a brother usurping another brother’s power and authority. Specifically however I think is the role in which revenge plays in all these acts of usurpation. In each of these plays there lies a certain amount of jealousy which correspondingly drives the character to overthrow the other. Specifically in The Tempest Antonio’s jealousy of Prospero’s hierarchy and status is a driving factor in his siege. In act 1 scene 2 Prospero recounts his brother’s siege,

He was indeed the Duke. Out o’th substitution,

And executing th’outward face of royalty

With all prerogative, hence his ambition growing- (1.2.103-105)

Prospero continues in explaining that his brother would eventually completely take over his duties as Duke, having him banished and exiled. These actions and this usurpation are significant elements to the plot of The Tempest. Without this Prospero would not be on the island causing havoc and chaos. This chaos is a mode of revenge, something which we can assume will continue throughout our reading of this play. Similarly are the instigating factors in both Richard and Claudius’s actions. I think that the way Shakespeare has jealously, power struggle and revenge work together creates the exciting and driving force behind each of these plays. The drive for revenge in each of these plays is what excites the drama and instigates the action. Similarly the power struggle between family members creates an interesting dramatic element. Hamlets need to avenge his father’s death instigates the deaths of many others and creates the excitement of the play. Richards need to have revenge on all those who had wronged him and to simply pursue negative behaviors due to greed drive the action in Richard III. Without the struggle for power none of these plays would have been written nor be exciting. The struggle to power is an important element of these plays and I think are important and defining characteristics to Shakespeare’s work.