The Manipulation of Prospero

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The Manipulation of Prospero

"Manipulation" means "to influence or manage shrewdly or deviously; to tamper with or falsify for personal gain." In William Shakespeare’s play, The Tempest, we meet an interesting, mysterious Prospero, a magician and the true Duke of Milan now living on a deserted island with his daughter Miranda. Prospero has the power to manipulate his own daughter and does this because he wants to protect her from danger.

Prospero has an interesting relationship with his daughter. Prospero talks and Miranda listens unwillingly. She does not pay attention and Prospero always seems to inform her. "Dost Thou attend me?" (1.2. 77).

Prospero exploits Miranda in any way that he can. First of all, for 12 years Prospero forgets to mention to Miranda that she is a princess:

Thy father was the Duke of Milan and

A prince of power. (1.2. 54)

For 12 years Prospero manipulated Miranda by not telling Miranda her true identity. He left her with unanswered questions that bothered her for all those years.

Prospero also upsets her with the tempest that he caus...

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