Throughout history, individuals have been notoriously subject to higher powers. This form of ownership of an individual is exemplified in slavery, indentured servitude, and even government systems that maintain control over the general population. One person's ability to rule over another arises from both moral and physical inequalities. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, an eminent philosopher from Geneva, attempts to discover the origin of inequality. In the Second Discourse, Rousseau systematically analyzes the departure of human beings from their natural state and attempts to explain how inequality arises. Shakespeare's The Tempest tells the story of a usurped duke, Prospero, who lives a life of exile on a mystical island. Overthrown by his brother Antonio, Prospero seeks revenge. In a carefully planned series of events, Prospero strands a group of European lords, one of whom is Antonio, on his island. Using his knowledge of magic, Prospero manages to gain control of his kingdom of Milan. On the surface, The Tempest appears foreign to Rousseau's work. However, the opposite is true. The Tempest is awash with many similar philosophical ideas discussed in the Second Discourse. When comparing The Tempest and The Second Discourse, the themes of inequality versus equality, nature versus nurture, and wild man versus civilized man prevail. As described in The Tempest, it is clear to identify that inequality exists among the inhabitants of the island. Shakespeare illustrates this inequality by referring to the character Prospero. After being dethroned as Duke of Milan, Prospero and his daughter Miranda are exiled from the country and set sail on a raft. With the help of supplies and magic... middle of paper... for food and shelter. Whether barbaric or civilized, the actions of both Caliban and Prospero combine in a very interesting way. The Tempest and The Second Speech are awash with themes of inequality versus equality, nature versus nurture, and wild man versus civilized man. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a prominent philosopher of his time and author of the Second Discourse, attempts to pinpoint the origin of inequality. In doing so, he analyzes the differences between civilized man and natural man in an interesting way. William Shakespeare, a prolific writer during the Elizabethan era and author of The Tempest, draws attention to the issues facing humanity. Although at first glance these two pieces of literature appear unrelated, upon analysis they have many similarities. Most importantly, both pieces offer insight into authority, power, and equality.