Friday, November 4, 2016

Prospero's Power - "The Tempest"

Throughout Prospero's life, his power fluctuates greatly. As the Duke of Milan, he had great monarchial control, yet as his skills in sorcery were augmented, he gave Antonio the opportunity to usurp his political control. On the island, Prospero's magical power makes him an autocratic ruler of Caliban and Ariel. His harsh treatment of the island natives characterizes him as cruel, relentless, and manipulative. Prospero's power is also used to demonstrate his development as a character. When he loses his monarchial power, he uses his magic to seek vengeance on the people who have wronged him in the past. However, as he watches his daughter fall in love and directly encounters the people of his past, he realizes that his possession of magical power has only inflicted harm upon himself. In the end, he becomes merciful and decides to return to normalcy, thus giving up his magic. Prospero's magical power, although his strongest attribute, was also his biggest weakness and catalyzes his downfall as a ruler, along with his moral downfall.

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