The Relationship Between Miranda and Prospero in The Tempest

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The Relationship Between Miranda and Prospero in The Tempest

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Act one scene two opens with Miranda and Prospero standing on an

island, after having just witnessed a shipwreck. Right from the first

line we can establish the relationship between Miranda and Prospero,

"My dearest father" (line 1.) As the scene commences, we begin to

learn a great deal about the two roles.

Miranda opens the scene as she questions her father about the huge

storm. "you have put the wild waters in this roar" (line 2.) Miranda

presumes that her father was capable of the "tempest" and therefore

this portrays that she does not have much trust for him. Miranda's

kindness and innocence is portray heart" (line 8/9) and this contrasts

to her father who is not as concerned as she is "Tell your piteous

heart there's no harm done" (line 14.)

Prospero's power and control over Miranda is something that really

stands out, "obey and be attentive" (line 38) and it is clear that she

respects him, "my dearestfather" (line 1.) At first one may presume

that Prospero is an evil man for causing the tempest, but I feel that

he loves Miranda very much and would do anything to protect her. "I

have done nothing but in care of thee - of thee my dear one" (line

16/17.) He decides that it is time for him to teach Miranda about her

past. This is very effective because not only do the audience learn

about the reasons for the tempest, but we also learn about Miranda and

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