Shakespeare's The Tempest And Temperance

In the Western intellectual tradition, the English word temperance, together with the Latin temperantia, originates from the Greek word sophrsoyne and is considered as one of the four virtues in the Greek polis. Apart from this, temperance is not only one of the four cardinal virtues but also seven Christian virtues in the Christianity. In the Renaissance, temperance, the most important virtue in the Renaissance ethical system, is influenced by both the Classical and Medieval Christian thoughts, hence the Renaissance temperance is a combination of them. As the greatest playwright and poet of his age, Shakespeare's literary creations are full of moral implications and metaphors prevalent and popular in his age and The Tempest is a play systematically concerned with temperance.The present thesis firstly makes a review of the criticisms of The Tempest over the ages and the relationship between Shakespearean drama and virtue ethics, particularly the virtue of temperance. Chapter one contends that renaissance temperance is a dynamic concept rather than a stable one. Chapter two asserts that Chastity, a core aspect of temperance, is highly influenced by the Medieval Christian thoughts and Miranda's chastity in The Tempest proves to be an indispensible part of this play. Chapter Three focuses on Prospero's practice of temperance as forgiveness in overcoming his vengeful fury. Chapter Four argues that the Renaissance temperance also signifies timeliness and Prospero's timely interventions present a full expression of this particular aspect. Chapter five holds that Caliban. Ariel and Prospero's harmony corresponds with Plato's theory of temperance. In conclusion, this thesis is intended to suggest that temperance is an important theme of The Tempest.