Prospero in William Shakespeare's The Tempest

Prospero in William Shakespeare's The Tempest

Prospero's character dominates Shakespeare's play The Tempest, and can

be said to convey an image of greed and selfishness. He goes to any

length in order to keep control of the island and its inhabitants

whilst using his powers to benefit his needs, whether it hurts others

in the process or not. However, some may see an element of forgiveness

in his personality and feel sympathy for him when his control breaks

down. A change in character may be the answer to this, although a huge

change would be needed to forgive someone for the crimes he pursued,

let alone to sympathise for him.

When Prospero realised he was loosing his powers, he knew he had to

act quickly to try and save any control he may have left. He turned to

Ariel for advice, which is a spirit. We could choose to sympathise

here, as previously Prospero had always been extremely dominating and

in control of everything and everyone. Now he shows a desperate sign

of weakness when turning to a spirit for help. Perhaps his character

is more desirable because of this? It can be said that by speaking to

Ariel he is admitting to a defeat. On the other hand, some may think

that he has planned to agree with what Ariel is asking for, and

forgive the other characters purposely knowing that if he does, he

will still be in control without the need of magic and have his

Dukedom returned to him. This continues his egocentric personality,

making us everything but pity for him. But still people believe his

forgiveness is a sign of him acting more humane, and that he should be

given a chance to show his true colours. At this point we are drawing

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...eness and his Dukedom is restored to him. Prospero

reveals to Alonso that his son is alive and the friendship between

Alonso and Prospero is sealed by the marriage of Ferdinand and

Miranda. Prospero frees Ariel and decides to renounce his magical

powers. I believe he was given a second chance to prove to the

audience that he could be a fair and honest person, without power.

Instead he took the opportunity to continue mistreating others, he

made plans and formed ways to regain power he did not deserve.

Prospero carried on dominating the characters feelings; as a

consequence, he did regain his Dukedom. This was unjustified for him

to win the battle against power, but predictable, you can't reverse

all the bad you have done if you still carry the traits and behaviours

of such evil, and Prospero is a prime example of this.