Confronting Colonialism In A Tempest By Aime Cesaire
Symbolism in literature, in terms of The Concise Oxford Dictionary is described as anything that stands for or represents something else beyond it. In much simpler terms, symbolism is the practice of defining a figure, character, or object that is then used to represent complex or abstract ideas and express the deeper underlying meaning. By expressing an idea in the form of an image or symbol, the reader can better visualize the theory. Cesaire uses symbols and motifs such as refusal of a name to show the concept of negritude and uses it as a viewpoint for freedom and emancipation.
The title Aime Cesaire’s book A Tempest is a literary element reference in itself to the storm. In the play, we can see already that the oncoming storm creates shipwreck and because of the tragics events, the characters start to have conflict and tension going on between them. The storm suggest numerous chaotic events to come that are beyond human control. It can be used as a metaphor is describe how a storm not physically but figuratively can destroy even thing in its way. Gonzalo says: Did you see that? There, at the top of the masts, in the rigging, that glitter of blue fire, flashing, flashing? They're right when they call these magic lands, so different from our homes in Europe…. Look, even the lightning is different!
The image of the storm foreshadows damage in the near future. A Tempest almost directly symbolizes and alludes to the displeasure and suffering Prospero endures for the past twelve years. Eventually the storm will be suppressed and order will be restored. In A Tempest Caliban associates the meaning of his name as a slave name that was given to him out hatred from prospero. He rejects it every time it is said and even refers to the name as an insult. Caliban decides to be referred to as X because he believes it is a fitting way to address man whose identity has been stolen from him. Caliban says: Call me X. That would be best. Like a man without a name. Or, to be more precise, a man whose name has been stolen. You talk about history. . . well, thats history, and everyone knows it! Everytime you summon me it reminds me of the basic fact, the fact that you've stolen everything from me, even my identity!
In this context, Caliban's name choice is associated with Malcolm X because for the same reason he chose to be called X and points to the theme of cultural repossession. Caliban's cultural identity has been reclassified and he has been deprived his role of leader of the island by Prospero. In trying to change his name, Caliban is forcing his master to recognize his as something other than a slave. The symbolism of the name X draws attention to older times when colonizers rejected the culture and history of places they conquered and made natives suffer.
