The Power Of Power In Shakespeare's The Tempest

Power: it is something that everyone wants and so few know how to justly maintain. Power causes blood to be shed and divisions to be created among friends and family that may be irreversible. In Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Prospero, Antonio, Sebastian, and Alonso grapple with the effect power has on them and how to remain just. All four lose their sense of morals and harm others in order to have personal gain. Power, whether it is the idea of possessing it or the possession of it, will cause individuals to become corrupted and immoral, thus losing their attachments to others.

The idea of power alone is enough to cause individuals, such as Antonio and Sebastian, to act immorally and lose their connection to others. The power gained is more important

Prospero recounts his tale of woe to Miranda of being expelled from his dukedom due to the greed of his brother and his brother conspiring with the king. Prospero states, “The King Of Naples, being an enemy / To me inveterate, hearkens my brother’s suit,” (1.2.145-146). The King of Naples recognized his power over Prospero due to his position and gave power to Antonio by furthering Antonio’s “suit”. Alonso did this not only to help his friend, but to make a subordinate out of Antonio. The power Alonso possessed by being the King of Naples enabled him to act on his greed and act immorally. Although Prospero knows how it feels to have a person of authority abuse that position, his power of Caliban becomes too much temptation and he treats Caliban terribly. In a fit of rage, while yelling at Caliban, Prospero exclaims, “Thou most lying slave / Who stripes may move, not kindness, I have used /thee/ Filth as thou art,” (1.2.412-416). Prospero is using rude language to Caliban with terms such as “filth as thou art” and calling him a liar, and even threatens to use physical violence. From his possession of power over Caliban, Prospero uses it to harm him and force him to do the chores for Prospero. Although Prospero did originally treat Caliban with kindness until Caliban attempted to force himself onto Miranda, he swung to the other extreme and is now getting revenge for it. Prospero uses his position of power and his magic to force Caliban under his will and subordinate him. The corruption caused by powers is exempt for morally just individuals such as Miranda. Miranda is able to make a new attachment due to her position of power rather than becoming isolated. She finds a husband in the person who was her subordinate, and does not abuse that position against him. Miranda is the purest and righteous