Essay Trinculo in The Tempest by William Shakespeare

Trinculo in The Tempest by William Shakespeare In William Shakespeares The Tempest, Trinculo is a minor comic character whose main ambition is to align himself with whomever is the perceived leader in any situation he finds himself in. He is an intrinsically sociable person, and he gains whatever social rank he can through positioning himself in accordance with those around him, but never seeks to be the leader. In this way, he is the perfect jester, always seeking to stand by the kings side. The trio of Trinculo, Stephano, and Caliban is formed in Act II, scene ii, when first Trinculo, and then Stephano, make their first appearances in the play. When Trinculo comes onstage in line 19, he believes he is†¦show more content†¦However, Trinculos confidence in his position with Stephano is shattered in the trios next scene in Act III, scene ii. Here we see a reversal in the relationship as Caliban works to usurp Trinculos position with Stephano. A power struggle between Caliban and Trinculo evolves comically, with Caliban temporarily achieving the top position next to Stephano, symbolized first by Stephano warning Trinculo to run into no further danger. Interrupt the monster one word further and, by this hand, Ill turn my mercy out odoors and make a stockfish of thee (II.ii.59-61), and then by his beating him when Stephano mistakenly believes Trinculo called him a liar. At this point in the play, Trinculo shows a rare moment of independence and courage when he fights back, telling Stephano, I did not give the lie. Out o your wits and hearing too? / A pox o your bottle! This can sack and drinking do. / A murrain on your monster, and the devil take your fingers! (III.ii.67-69) But Trinculos spurt of independence is short-lived, because Stephano restores the promise of fellowship by saying, Monster, I will kill this man. His daughter and I will be king and queen – save Our Graces! – and Trinculo and thyself shall be viceroys. Dost thou like the plot, Trinculo? (III.ii.94-96) Trinculo eagerly falls back intoShow MoreRelated Essay on the Roles of Trinculo and Stephano in The Tempest863 Words   |  4 PagesThe Roles of Trinculo and Stephano in The Tempest      Ã‚  Ã‚   Trinculo and Stephano have two major roles in The Tempest - comic relief and the theme of exploration. Because of this double nature to their characters, they are more important than they initially appear.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Tempest is a comedy. The play may not seem to fit into the category of comedy as it exists today; but in the 17th century comedy was very different. Certainly, The Tempest would never be confused with a modernRead MoreThe Elizabethan Era1595 Words   |  6 PagesElizabethan Era, theater was being taken to new heights and the unexpected was taking place frequently. Queen Elizabeth had a love for the arts, especially theater written by Shakespeare. 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