The Tempest Research Paper

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In Shakespeare’s, The Tempest, the role of power is an illusion which some believe is demonstrated through many different characters, but is only truly held by Prospero who shows overwhelming amounts of control over the other characters. Prospero demonstrates his dukedom through many ways in the novel, his illusive personality and sorcery overcomes that of his sinful brother, who overtook his throne, his beastly servant Caliban, and the love life of his dear daughter Miranda. Shakespeare depicts that the societal role of power can both be used for both villainous and honorable ambitions. Both have experienced dukedom although Prospero holds the upper hand when it comes to empowerment over Alonso due to his wizardry. In the first scene of Sharkespeare’s …show more content…

Another example of his devious plan against the royal family is when Prospero sends Ariel out to literally drive the Three Men of Sin and Gonzalo insane. In Ariel’s efforts he puts Gonzalo and Alonso to sleep only to wake up to the betrayal of their dear friends when Ariel whispers “My master through his are foresees the danger that you, his friend, are in, and sends me forth - For else his project dies - to keep them living” (2:1 341-343). By sending forth Prospero’s servant, Ariel, to harm the mental well being of the group of men he shows his dominance over the islanders. Although, Prospero doesn’t feel that he has done enough so he sends Ariel out yet again as a …show more content…

Caliban, Prospero’s beastial servant, previously had a great relationship with Prospero where Prospero acted as a teacher and provided guidance for him; their relationship had completely changed when Caliban is tempted by the throws of passion and tries to force himself on Miranda, Prospero’s greatest gift “O ho, O ho! Would’t had been done! Thou didst prevent me. I had peopled else the isle with Calibans” (1:2 419-421). Prospero demonstrates his abhorrence by assigning Caliban to be his eternal slave, this shows the copious amount of control that Prospero holds and can afflict unto others. While it may appear that he is using his magic in a negative manner he is actually protecting Miranda from “thou didst seek to violate the honor of my child” (1:2 417-418) so he is using his art in a heroic way. Later in the novel, Prospero uses his art for the wellbeing of others and brings all of the islanders together in peace and forgives them for their wrongdoings, and promises safe travels home “I’ll deliver all, and promise you calm seas, auspicious gales, and sail so expeditious that shall catch your royal fleet far off” (5:1 373-376). Prospero’s magical art is a form of recurring power through the play which has been used to its fullest extent for both a beneficial manner and for

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