Prospero's Complex Personality Exhibited in Shakespeare's Play The Tempest

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The play entitled “The Tempest” written in 1610 and later published in 1623 is one of the great comedy plays by William Shakespeare. The themes illustrated in the play are freedom, friendship, repentance and forgiveness. Its protagonist is an enigmatic character named Prospero who wields the compelling power of the magic arts. Prospero, the former duke of Milan and his beloved daughter have been stranded on an island for twelve years. Disappointingly, his own brother Antonio exiled him and his daughter with the help of Alonso, the king of Naples then he unrightfully claimed his brother’s position as the Duke of Milan. The vessel that they travelled in was filled with: some food, some water, and also precious books belonging to Prospero-the supplies had been packed by the king’s counsellor Gonzalo who sympathized with Prospero’s situation. An elegant spirit named Ariel was enslaved and imprisoned by Sycorax an evil witch who previously inhabited the island. Because Prospero studied magic from his books he managed to rescue the spirit who is now compelled to serve Prospero until he is released. Prospero also gains another companion, the son of Sycorax, Caliban. He cared for him and taught him language and religion in exchanged for learning how to survive on the island. However, Caliban tried to rape Miranda and the consequence for this was enslavement and now both father and daughter look down on Caliban with disgust. Astonishingly, a ship passes close to the island containing Alonso, his son Ferdinand, Sebastian, Antonio and Gonzalo. Prospero has his chance to avenge his enemies so he brews up a storm with the help of his spirit... One of the reasons why this drama is so popular is because of the type of language used by the prota...

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... Prospero relies on Ariel to help him.

Using all of the information that I gathered, it is now clear that Prospero is just and fair, in addition to intelligent. Prospero's magic is the white magic of nature, not the black magic of evil men. This former duke of Milan is a complex personality. Although he refuses to free Ariel and enslaves Caliban, Prospero is really a beneficent ruler, never intending to injure even his enemies. Early in the play, Prospero appears callous and cruel, especially in his treatment of Ariel and Caliban.

Social and historical context in the play: In the 400 years since the play was written, attitudes to many different things have changed, including the idea of colonialism and slavery. Caliban, in a contemporary context, represents slavery and the exploitation of natives and their lands when the Western world takes over their continent.

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