The Tempest Critical Lens

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In the Tempest, by William Shakespeare, the main character is Prospero which betrays a magical creature named Ariel on an isolated island. For instance, Prospero lies to Ariel about setting him free from slavery. For example “Ariel, thy charge exactly is performed, but there's more work.” . This quote shows that he will be freed soon but, at the moment has tasks to complete. However, Ariel eventually gained his freedom by completing one last final task. “I prithee, remember I have done thee worthy service, told thee no lies, made thee no mistakes, served without or grudge or grumblings. Thou didst promise to bate me a full year Prospero dost thou forget from what a torment I did free thee? ”. The following quote shows that Ariel is trying to convince Prospero to let him free. Ariel tries to make Prospero remember all the times he has helped him. Ariel asks Prospero “Dost thou forget from what a torment I did free thee? “ which shows that Ariel …show more content…

“Both, both my girl. By foul play, as thou sayst, were we heaved thence, but blessedly holp hither”. This quote shows that Prospero knows that it was Antonio, his brother, who vanished him to the island, which he later forgives. “The rarer action is in virtue than in vengeance. They being penitent, the sole drift of my purpose doth extend not a frown further”. Prospero is being honest about forgiving his brother for vanishing him to the isolated island. It is clear that neither Antonio and Sebastian are penitent about their behavior towards vanishing him. When Prospero states “In virtue in vengeance” he doesn’t want to look for revenge towards his brother. These words show that although Antonio vanished his brother Prospero to an isolated island with his daughter Miranda. However, Prospero forgives Antonio and doesn’t seek revenge. This relates to the prompt because Antonio betrays Prospero by vanishing him to a isolated island with his

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