The Tempest Reflection Essay

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Hi all, Sorry to be so late to the party, I've not had much time to properly formulate my notes into decent sentences, adequate for public eyes. Below is the theory that I wrote up whilst watching the 1980 BBC film adaption of The Tempest. Prospero takes advantage of people out of desperation to get home and own what he sees as his. For instance, Prospero frees Ariel and makes him his slave as part of Prospero's long-term plan of freedom, revenge and to claim back what is rightfully his (in his eyes). As well as this, although, he does seem to care for his daughter, Miranda, he uses her sexuality to help intrigue Prince Ferdinand to further his long-term plan. At heart, Prospero appears to be a good man who wants to lead a good life, but is …show more content…

Firstly, I never stated, in my original theory, my opinions on Prospero’s actions or plan. Personally, I believe Prospero's plan is that of a highly intelligent, driven and dedicated man. As well as this, I believe him to be of a sane mind, however, I stand by my analysis before of calling him morally grey. By morally grey, I mean I believe Prospero to be a somewhat good man at heart but he must make decisions that are harmful for others (Caliban, for instance) in order to help the people that he cares about the most (Miranda) as well as get revenge and his title back. Which by some could be deemed a ‘selfish act’, however, I don’t think it is selfish as he would be protecting Miranda’s future and his own well-being (which is important for a good quality of life) as it is a life he is accustomed to and feels happiest …show more content…

It is only in our modern society that we might believe his actions to be wrong or morally grey. However, from what we see and hear of his treatments of Caliban and Ariel in the play, we can assume two main ideas. Idea number one: that he has treated them both fairly and is exerting his authority and is using them to ensure the safety of both him and Miranda upon the island. Idea number two: he is treating them how he deems a man of his standing should be allowed to treat others he sees as inferior to him and is using them both for separate reasons. Ariel, as part of his long-term plan and Caliban for the safety and comfort of living upon the

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