The Tempest Research Paper

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Renaissance was a time of awakening and rebirth. A renaissance man was a man of knowledge that did not only apply to his profession, but that which was vast in its topics as with its content. The Tempest was William Shakespeare’s last play which he used to bow out of his career as one of the most ingenious playwrights to this day. The main character, Prospero, is an embodiment of the values that are indicative of a Renaissance man. A Renaissance man is intelligent, knowledgeable, artistic, physical, social, and overall comfortable in his own skin. Therefore, it will be safe to say that since Prospero did possess all the traits and characteristics of a Renaissance man, he defines the entire story and makes it a strong association between …show more content…

Although, in the conventional sense artistic capabilities would imply the ability to play a musical instrument, sculpt, dance, paint, or write, the practice of magic albeit being unusual still falls under the same definition. Before telling Miranda the story of how they came to be stranded on an island Prospero states, “Lie there, my art.” (I. 2. 26) He states this after taking off his mantle and handing it to Miranda. The fact that he refers to the article of clothing as his “art” is indicative of the fact that it is something that he has invested his time in learning it and putting it to use. He utilizes his art of magic throughout the play from bringing Alonso and company to the island to making Ferdinand fall in love with Miranda to orchestrating their wedding. He is so in control of the magic that he practices that he was able to put the men through a torrential storm and still have his servant spirit relay the following report: “Not a hair perish’d; On their sustaining garments not a blemish.” (I. 2. 218-219) Prospero is very artistic and is capable of making things fall into place in a creative …show more content…

Physically Prospero is perfectly able and is feared by his servants, Ariel and Caliban. However, the fear that the servants have of their master is not just due to his physical attributes, but also due to his competence as a magician. The dealings that Prospero has with Alonso and Antonio, both of whom had conspired against him, best portray his social faculty. When Prospero comes across Gonzalo, Antonio, and Sebastian, he sends out a fair warning to Antonio and Sebastian who want to kill Alonso by stating, “I here could pluck his Highness’ frown upon you, And justify you traitors: at this time, I will tell no tales.” (V. 1. 128-130) Prospero has control over both, Alonso and Sebastian, with this mere warning and can have them bend to his will. Following this encounter Prospero meets Alonso and as they are talking about the future Prospero vocalizes the following: “I’ll bring you to your ship, and so to Naples, Where I have hope to see the nuptial, Of these our dear-beloved solemnized; And thence retire me to my Milanwhere, Every third thought shall be my grave.” (V. 1. 307-311) Prospero has every right to hold a grudge against Antonio and Alonso considering that both of them wronged him, yet he chooses not to do that and instead takes control of the situation by declaring that he wishes his daughter to be married to the Prince of Naples. The strategy that Prospero

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