1. Control over Resources:
Stephano is a drunken butler in the service of Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan. He quickly forms an alliance with Trinculo, a jester, and Caliban, a native of the island, to exploit the island's resources, particularly the wine stored in Prospero's cellar.
- This is reminiscent of how colonial powers would often come to non-Western lands in search of resources and wealth, often disregarding the indigenous populations and their livelihoods.
2. Exploitation of Natives:
Caliban, a native inhabitant of the island, is seen as a servant to Stephano and Trinculo. He helps them carry wine and assists them in their plans.
- This illustrates the relationship between colonizers and indigenous peoples, where the former often exploited the latter for labor and other purposes.
3. Misuse of Power:
Stephano and Trinculo take advantage of Caliban's trust and obedience. They promise to help Caliban overthrow Prospero and rule the island, but their true intentions are to use him for their own benefit.
- Colonial powers often employed deception and manipulation to subjugate indigenous peoples and establish control over their lands and resources.
4. Colonial Language:
Stephano and Trinculo use derogatory language towards Caliban, referring to him as a "monster," "slave," and "savage."
- This kind of dehumanizing rhetoric was commonly used by colonizers to justify their conquest and oppression of non-Western cultures.
5. Subversion and Resistance:
Caliban ultimately turns on Stephano and Trinculo, leading them into a trap set by Prospero.
- This act of resistance against colonial oppression mirrors the struggles of indigenous peoples who fought against the dominant power structures imposed by colonizers.
In summary, Stephano embodies many of the characteristics and actions associated with colonial powers: resource exploitation, subjugation of indigenous peoples, misuse of power, and the use of dehumanizing language to justify their actions. He serves as a critique of the negative aspects of colonialism and its lasting effects on indigenous communities.