Further Evidence for the Notion of ‘Resistance’ in Literary Discourse

Abstract

This paper investigates the notion of ‘power resistance’ in one of Shakespeare’s plays, The Tempest. This study adopts the Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) model of Fairclough (1989) to reveal the aspects of power resistance [1]. The conflict between Caliban, the servant, and Prospero, his Master, produces a particular aspect of resistance against power domination. Caliban considers himself equal to Prospero since he has shown Prospero the ins and outs of the island. Caliban’s resistance takes different forms, such as rejection and a negative evaluation of Prospero. The analysis has proved that power is not only a source of domination but also a stimulator for resistance.Caliban considers himself equal to Prospero since he has shown Prospero the ins and outs of the island. Caliban’s resistance takes different forms, such as rejection and a negative evaluation of Prospero. The analysis has proved that power is not only a source of domination but also a stimulator for resistance.

Keywords

• cda
• power
• resistance
• shakespeare
• the tempest