Defending Prospero in Shakespeares The Tempest Essay

Defending Prospero in The Tempest In William Shakespeares The Tempest, the character of Prospero brings about a great deal of debate. Modern literary critics are quick to use him as a poster child for English colonial practice in the sixteenth and seventeenth century. Many see him as person who desires complete control of everything around him from the fish-like monster Caliban to his spirit servant Ariel, even his own daughter Miranda. Others believe that Prosperos sole motive is revenge on his brother Antonio and those associated with the established power in Naples and Milan. Taken out of context, these are reasonable conclusions. However, in the development of the play, it is quite clear that these critics are incorrect.†¦show more content†¦Prospero is wise and would not knowledgeably violate the trust of not only his daughter, but the only person on the island that cares for him. However, even if these words were empty, his actions are not. When Caliban threatened to attack and rape Miranda, Prospero w as forced to use his magic to keep Caliban captive so that there would no longer be any immediate threat to her. Prosperos decision to indenture Caliban puts him on tentative moral footing, but it is difficult to believe that Prospero had any other choice. His only other options would have been to kill Caliban or to leave the island himself. To readjust Calibans nature would have been impossible considering that Caliban himself implies that if he had another opportunity, he would try to rape Miranda again. Leaving the island altogether is the completely moral choice, but obviously if had been that simple, Prospero would already have escaped rather than causing a storm to set events in motion. Furthermore, Prosperos decision to try to couple Miranda and Ferdinand was an act of love, not a play for power. Had unbridled ambition been his only goal, Prospero would not have sought to make the union between the two more difficult They are both in eithers powers. But this swift business I would uneasy make, lest too light winning make the prize light (Prospero, I, ii, 541-544). Prospero clearly intends for his daughter to fall in love with Ferdinand, but wantsShow MoreRelatedThe Tempest Power Essay1451 Words   |  6 PagesThe Tempest, often regarded as Shakespeare’s last play, displaces the theme of possession of control and command over other, commonly known as power. Ariel, Caliban and the courtiers from Milan, all demonstrate different levels of control. Prospero, the protagonist of the play, especially displays his ability to cast influence and affect others psychologically. The characters, their relationships and their use of power can be compared to the English go vernment and society of the 17th Century. TheRead MoreThe Tempest By William Shakespeare1620 Words   |  7 Pages The Tempest, a play written by William Shakespeare, involves various aspects of power demonstrated through a flip of the hierarchy of power. Antonio, Prospero’s brother, who took Prospero’s dukeship out of a thirst for power is on a ship which Prospero has caused to wreck with a storm, on the island where he and his daughter live. This is part of Prospero’s plan to have Miranda become the next heir of Naples by marrying Alonso’s son, Ferdinand, King of Naples. In Act Two, Antonio and Sebastian,