The Tempest Power Analysis

In Shakespeare 's play The Tempest, the usurpation of power is a central theme. The opening scene introduces us to power struggles among the noblemen and sailors. We later learn that the former Duke of Milan, Prospero, was stripped of his power by his brother, Antonio. Also, Antonio advises Sebastian, the King’s brother, to seize Alonso’s crown. These are just a few examples of complex power dynamics caused by a difference in opinion. Everyone has a different vision of ideal government, and everyone is greedy for power, a deadly combination. While there are many systems of government, I will be explaining the royal adviser Gonzalo 's system and how it compares to Prospero 's ruling when he held power. These two forms of government are flawed

One must understand the limitations in Prospero 's personality to understand his government. Firstly, Prospero is consumed by a desire for knowledge, a bookworm in the truest sense of the word. He spent hours reading, perfecting his magic, and studying "the liberal arts." (1.2.73) He explains that while he was "transported and rapt in secret studies," he had to direct his rule to his brother, Antonio temporarily. (1.2.76-7) A ruler 's primary responsibility is to his people, and while advancing his knowledge of the world, Prospero neglected his duties as the duke. He makes it clear that he is not concerned with his people when he explains how Gonzalo "furnished [him] … with volumes that / [He] prize[s] above [his] dukedom." (1.2.166-8) Prospero values his mind more than his state, reflected by his love of books, and this curiosity prevents him from keeping a watchful eye over his dukedom. In fact, it was because of Prospero’s “neglecting worldly ends” that Antonio slowly gained power. (1.2.89) From a ruler’s perspective, government serves no purpose without a population of citizens, where Prospero would much rather be alone studying, but he was not disconnected completely from his people. His subjects remained loyal to him, and when it came time, murder was not an option for the usurpers: “They durst not kill [him], / So dear the

Also, Gonzalo has no experience as a leader, nor would his society require a traditional “government” since the society would presumably keep itself in order. And while Gonzalo 's government was merely a theory, Prospero 's government was fact; it existed. It was, nonetheless, imperfect. Prospero tended to think of himself and his knowledge before he thought of others, whereas the ideal ruler would do the opposite. His main flaw was in his antisocial behavior, which prevented him from fulfilling his duties as duke. Prospero is a lazy, incapable leader at first, but his character undergoes enormous change. And while he was a little late to realize it, the virtue that saved his life before is evident in his rejecting magic at the end of the play. In this, his last work, Shakespeare explores the theme of government, and I believe is implying, through these flawed forms of government, that perfection can never be attained. Just as man is imperfect by nature, so is his