The article examines how the relationship between The tempest and America was understood throughout history. It emphasizes the changing attitudes towards William Shakespeare´s play and the inhabitants of the island where it takes place. It points out, specially, how Prospero, from a wise ruler becomes a colonialist tyrant, while Caliban, from a savage monster is transformed into a Third World symbol. Thus, The tempest is seen as a rich source of metaphors to think America.
The tempest; America; Shakespeare; Prospero; Caliban; Post-Colonialism