Prospero in The Tempest: Analysis and Quotes

In William Shakespeare’s play “The Tempest,” Prospero is the main character who we follow throughout the story. He’s a really interesting person with many sides to him. Prospero used to be the Duke of Milan, which means he was an important leader. But he was kicked out of his home by his mean brother, Antonio. Now, Prospero lives on a magical island with his daughter Miranda. He’s learned how to do magic, which he uses to control the island and the creatures on it. Prospero is angry about what happened to him, and he wants to get back at the people who wronged him.

The story begins when Prospero uses his magic to create a big storm (a tempest) that brings his enemies to the island. This includes his brother Antonio, and other important people who were involved in kicking Prospero out of Milan. As we watch Prospero in the play, we see how he changes. At first, he’s full of anger and wants revenge. But as things happen, he starts to think differently.

He begins to understand that forgiving people might be better than punishing them. Prospero has different relationships with other characters in the play. He’s very protective of his daughter Miranda. He’s the master of Ariel, a magical spirit, and Caliban, a creature who lives on the island. How Prospero treats these characters tells us a lot about what kind of person he is.

In this analysis, we’re going to look closely at Prospero. We’ll talk about how he changes throughout the play, what he says (his quotes), and what these things mean. We’ll also think about the big ideas Shakespeare is trying to show us through Prospero, like the power of forgiveness, the use and misuse of power, and what it means to be human. By the end, we’ll have a good understanding of who Prospero is, why he does what he does, and what we can learn from his story in “The Tempest.”

Prospero’s Background and Role in the Play

Background

1. Duke of Milan: Prospero was originally the Duke of Milan, a powerful position. This means he was the ruler of the city-state of Milan in Italy.
2. Love for Learning: Prospero loved books and learning more than ruling. He spent most of his time studying magic and other subjects, which made him neglect his duties as a Duke.
3. Usurped by His Brother: Because Prospero was so absorbed in his studies, his brother Antonio saw an opportunity. Antonio, with the help of Alonso, the King of Naples, overthrew Prospero and took over his position as Duke.
4. Exiled: Antonio put Prospero and his young daughter, Miranda, on a small, rickety boat and sent them out to sea, expecting them to die. However, they survived and ended up on a deserted island. They were helped by Gonzalo, a loyal courtier, who secretly provided them with supplies and some of Prospero’s beloved books.

Role in the Play

1. Master of Magic: On the island, Prospero uses his knowledge of magic to control the spirits and creatures there. He becomes very powerful and uses his magic to protect himself and Miranda.
2. Control of the Island: Prospero rules over the island and its inhabitants, including Ariel, a spirit he freed from a tree, and Caliban, the son of a witch who originally ruled the island.
3. Orchestrator of the Storm: At the beginning of the play, Prospero uses his magic to create a powerful storm (the tempest) that causes a shipwreck. The ship carries his brother Antonio, King Alonso, and other important characters. Prospero has orchestrated this to bring his enemies to the island.
4. Seeker of Justice: Throughout the play, Prospero manipulates events and characters to achieve his goal of reclaiming his dukedom and restoring justice. He confronts his brother and Alonso, and eventually forgives them, choosing to show mercy rather than revenge.
5. Father to Miranda: Prospero is a protective and loving father to Miranda. He wants the best for her and orchestrates her meeting with Ferdinand, Alonso’s son, hoping they will fall in love and marry.
6. Renouncing Magic: At the end of the play, Prospero decides to give up his magic. He realizes that it is time to return to the real world and fulfill his duties as a Duke. He breaks his staff and drowns his book of spells, signifying his return to a life without magic.

Prospero’s Character Development

Prospero’s character development in “The Tempest” is a central element that drives the play’s narrative and themes. At the beginning of the play, Prospero is portrayed as a bitter and vengeful figure. Overthrown by his brother Antonio and exiled to a deserted island, Prospero harbors deep resentment and a desire for retribution. His bitterness is evident in his meticulous orchestration of the tempest that shipwrecks his enemies on the island. Prospero’s use of magic to control and manipulate those around him, including the spirit Ariel and the creature Caliban, highlights his authoritative and often harsh nature.

As the play progresses, Prospero’s interactions with the other characters begin to reveal a more reflective and strategic side. He carefully manipulates events to achieve his ends, particularly in orchestrating the romantic relationship between his daughter Miranda and Ferdinand, Alonso’s son. Through these manipulations, Prospero starts to exhibit a deeper understanding of power and its implications. His relationship with Ariel also undergoes a transformation. Ariel’s expressions of empathy and longing for freedom prompt Prospero to reconsider his own actions and motivations, leading to moments of introspection and doubt about his quest for vengeance.

By the climax of the play, Prospero’s character undergoes a significant transformation. When he finally confronts his brother Antonio and King Alonso, Prospero chooses the path of forgiveness over revenge. This act of mercy is a pivotal moment, showcasing his growth from a vengeful ruler to a more noble and compassionate individual. His decision to forgive those who wronged him reflects a profound internal change and a recognition of the futility of holding onto anger and bitterness.

In the resolution, Prospero’s decision to renounce his magical powers marks the culmination of his character development. By breaking his staff and drowning his book of spells, Prospero symbolically abandons the tools of his control and manipulation, embracing a more humane and humble approach to life. This final act signifies his readiness to return to Milan and resume his duties as Duke, not as a powerful sorcerer, but as a wiser and more enlightened leader. Prospero’s journey from bitterness to forgiveness and from control to humility encapsulates his complex character arc, making him one of Shakespeare’s most compelling and dynamic figures.

Prospero’s Relationship with Others

Prospero’s relationship with others shows different sides of Prospero’s character – his love, his anger, his desire for control, and his capacity for forgiveness. They also highlight the themes of power, family, and reconciliation that run throughout the play.

Miranda (his daughter):

• Protective and loving, but also controlling
• Keeps her isolated on the island for her safety
• Arranges her future marriage to Ferdinand
• Example quote: “I have done nothing but in care of thee, / Of thee, my dear one, thee, my daughter” (Act 1, Scene 2)

Ariel (the spirit):

• Master-servant relationship
• Promises Ariel freedom in exchange for service
• Often bossy, but also shows fondness for Ariel
• Example quote: “Do so, and after two days / I will discharge thee” (Act 1, Scene 2)

Caliban (island native):

• Initially tried to educate Caliban, but now treats him as a slave
• Views Caliban as a “monster” and often speaks harshly to him
• Caliban resents Prospero for taking over the island
• Example quote: “Thou most lying slave, / Whom stripes may move, not kindness!” (Act 1, Scene 2)

Antonio (his brother):

• Deep resentment for Antonio’s betrayal
• Plans to confront and punish him
• Eventually forgives him, though Antonio remains unrepentant
• Example quote: “For you, most wicked sir, whom to call brother / Would even infect my mouth, I do forgive / Thy rankest fault” (Act 5, Scene 1)

Alonso (King of Naples):

• Initially seeks revenge against Alonso for helping Antonio
• Uses magic to torment Alonso, making him think his son Ferdinand is dead
• Eventually forgives Alonso and accepts him as an ally through Miranda’s marriage to Ferdinand
• Example quote: “Their understanding / Begins to swell, and the approaching tide / Will shortly fill the reasonable shore / That now lies foul and muddy” (Act 5, Scene 1)

Ferdinand (Alonso’s son):

• Tests Ferdinand to ensure he’s worthy of Miranda
• Initially treats him harshly but grows to approve of him
• Uses Ferdinand as part of his plan to reconcile with Alonso
• Example quote: “If I have too austerely punish’d you, / Your compensation makes amends” (Act 4, Scene 1)

Prospero’s Character Analysis

Prospero’s complex personality and motivations drive the plot of “The Tempest.” His journey from a vengeful sorcerer to a forgiving man forms the emotional core of the play, reflecting themes of power, justice, and the nature of rulership.

Personality:

1. Intellectual and Studious:
   • Loves learning and books above all else
   • This passion led to his initial downfall in Milan
   • Example quote: “Me, poor man, my library / Was dukedom large enough” (Act 1, Scene 2)
2. Controlling and Manipulative:
   • Uses magic to control others and situations
   • Orchestrates events to suit his plans
   • Example quote: “By accident most strange, bountiful Fortune… / …hath mine enemies / Brought to this shore” (Act 1, Scene 2)
3. Vengeful, yet Capable of Forgiveness:
   • Initially seeks revenge against those who wronged him
   • Learns to forgive by the end of the play
   • Example quote: “The rarer action is / In virtue than in vengeance” (Act 5, Scene 1)
4. Protective Father:
   • Deeply loves Miranda and wants to secure her future
   • Can be overbearing in his protection
   • Example quote: “I have done nothing but in care of thee” (Act 1, Scene 2)
5. Power-Hungry:
   • Enjoys the control his magic gives him over others
   • Struggles with giving up this power at the end
   • Example quote: “I’ll break my staff, / Bury it certain fathoms in the earth, / And deeper than did ever plummet sound / I’ll drown my book” (Act 5, Scene 1)
6. Complex Morality:
   • Justifies his actions as righteous, but can be cruel
   • Treats Caliban harshly, yet expects gratitude
   • Example quote: “A devil, a born devil, on whose nature / Nurture can never stick” (Act 4, Scene 1)

Motivations:

1. Regaining His Dukedom:
   • Primary goal is to reclaim his position in Milan
   • Uses the tempest to bring his usurpers to the island
2. Securing Miranda’s Future:
   • Wants to ensure his daughter is well-provided for
   • Arranges her marriage to Ferdinand
3. Seeking Justice:
   • Desires to right the wrongs done to him
   • Wants his enemies to realize and repent their misdeeds
4. Desire for Control:
   • Uses magic to manipulate events and people
   • Struggles with relinquishing this control
5. Redemption and Reconciliation:
   • Ultimately seeks to make peace with his past
   • Wants to return to society and rule justly

Prospero’s Use of Magic

Prospero’s magic is central to both the plot and themes of “The Tempest.” It represents power, control, and the ability to shape reality. However, the play also suggests that true wisdom comes from knowing when to relinquish such power. Prospero’s journey from reliance on magic to its renunciation mirrors his emotional journey from vengeance to forgiveness.

Source of His Power:

• Prospero’s magic comes from his study of arcane books
• He refers to his “art” frequently, implying a learned skill rather than innate ability
• Example quote: “I’ll to my book, / For yet ere supper-time must I perform / Much business appertaining” (Act 3, Scene 1)

Control Over Nature:

• Can create storms and calm seas
• Manipulates the weather to serve his purposes
• Example quote: “I have bedimm’d / The noontide sun, call’d forth the mutinous winds” (Act 5, Scene 1)

Command Over Spirits:

• Controls Ariel and other spirits of the island
• Uses them to carry out his plans and gather information
• Example quote: “Come away, servant, come. I am ready now. / Approach, my Ariel, come.” (Act 1, Scene 2)

Illusions and Visions:

• Creates elaborate illusions to manipulate others
• Conjures a magical banquet and a masque for Ferdinand and Miranda
• Example quote: “A living drollery. Now I will believe / That there are unicorns” (Ferdinand, Act 3, Scene 3)

Mind Control:

• Can charm people into sleep or freeze them in place
• Influences thoughts and emotions of others
• Example quote: “A solemn air and the best comforter / To an unsettled fancy cure thy brains” (Act 5, Scene 1)

Invisibility:

• Makes himself and others invisible when needed
• Uses this to observe and manipulate situations
• Example quote: “I must unearthly and be hid” (Act 4, Scene 1)

Limitations:

• Cannot directly change people’s hearts or minds
• Needs Ariel and other spirits to carry out many tasks
• Example quote: “My charms crack not” (Act 5, Scene 1)

Moral Implications:

• Prospero’s magic raises questions about the ethics of power
• He uses it for both benevolent and selfish purposes
• Example quote: “But this rough magic / I here abjure” (Act 5, Scene 1)

Renunciation:

• At the end of the play, Prospero chooses to give up his magic
• This represents his return to society and acceptance of human limitations
• Example quote: “I’ll break my staff, / Bury it certain fathoms in the earth, / And deeper than did ever plummet sound / I’ll drown my book” (Act 5, Scene 1)

Themes Explored Through Prospero

Through Prospero, Shakespeare explores complex ideas about human nature, society, and morality. The character’s journey reflects broader themes of redemption, the limits of power, and the importance of wisdom and compassion in leadership.

Power and Its Abuse:

• Prospero’s magical abilities represent ultimate power
• He uses this power both benevolently and selfishly
• Raises questions about the responsibility of those in power
• Example quote: “I have with such provision in mine art / So safely ordered that there is no soul— / No, not so much perdition as an hair / Betid to any creature in the vessel” (Act 1, Scene 2)

Colonialism and Oppression:

• Prospero’s treatment of Caliban mirrors colonial attitudes
• He sees himself as a civilizing force, but acts as an oppressor
• Example quote: “This island’s mine, by Sycorax my mother, / Which thou tak’st from me” (Caliban, Act 1, Scene 2)

Forgiveness and Reconciliation:

• Prospero’s journey from vengeance to forgiveness is central to the play
• Shows the power of mercy over revenge
• Example quote: “The rarer action is / In virtue than in vengeance” (Act 5, Scene 1)

Nature vs. Nurture:

• Prospero’s attempts to educate Caliban raise questions about innate vs. learned behavior
• His nurturing of Miranda contrasts with his treatment of Caliban
• Example quote: “A devil, a born devil, on whose nature / Nurture can never stick” (Act 4, Scene 1)

Illusion and Reality:

• Prospero’s magic blurs the line between what’s real and what’s illusion
• Raises questions about the nature of reality and perception
• Example quote: “We are such stuff / As dreams are made on, and our little life / Is rounded with a sleep” (Act 4, Scene 1)

The Corrupting Nature of Ambition:

• Prospero’s initial fall from power due to neglecting his duties serves as a cautionary tale
• His brother’s ambition led to Prospero’s exile
• Example quote: “I, thus neglecting worldly ends, all dedicated / To closeness and the bettering of my mind” (Act 1, Scene 2)

Art and Creation:

• Prospero’s magic can be seen as a metaphor for artistic creation
• His renunciation of magic parallels Shakespeare’s farewell to the stage
• Example quote: “But this rough magic / I here abjure” (Act 5, Scene 1)

Fathers and Children:

• Prospero’s relationship with Miranda explores themes of parental control and children’s independence
• His protective nature sometimes borders on possessiveness
• Example quote: “I have done nothing but in care of thee” (Act 1, Scene 2)

Civilization vs. Savagery:

• Prospero sees himself as bringing civilization to the island
• This raises questions about what truly constitutes civilized behavior
• Example quote: “Thou didst prevent me; I had peopled else / This isle with Calibans” (Act 1, Scene 2)

Prospero Quotes

These quotes showcase Prospero’s complex character, his power, his relationships, and his eventual growth. They also highlight key themes in the play such as magic, forgiveness, the nature of reality, and the responsibilities of power.

On his past and the value of knowledge: “Me, poor man, my library / Was dukedom large enough” (Act 1, Scene 2)

• Context: Prospero explaining to Miranda why he was overthrown
• Significance: Shows Prospero’s love for learning and how it led to his downfall

On his magical powers: “I have bedimm’d / The noontide sun, call’d forth the mutinous winds” (Act 5, Scene 1)

• Context: Prospero listing his magical accomplishments
• Significance: Demonstrates the extent of his supernatural abilities

On forgiveness: “The rarer action is / In virtue than in vengeance” (Act 5, Scene 1)

• Context: Prospero deciding to forgive his enemies
• Significance: Marks Prospero’s character growth and the play’s theme of reconciliation

On the illusory nature of life: “We are such stuff / As dreams are made on, and our little life / Is rounded with a sleep” (Act 4, Scene 1)

• Context: Prospero’s speech after the masque
• Significance: Reflects on the transient nature of existence and reality

On relinquishing his magic: “I’ll break my staff, / Bury it certain fathoms in the earth, / And deeper than did ever plummet sound / I’ll drown my book” (Act 5, Scene 1)

• Context: Prospero deciding to give up his magical powers
• Significance: Symbolizes Prospero’s return to society and acceptance of human limitations

On his care for Miranda: “I have done nothing but in care of thee, / Of thee, my dear one, thee, my daughter” (Act 1, Scene 2)

• Context: Prospero explaining his actions to Miranda
• Significance: Reveals Prospero’s deep love for his daughter and his protective nature

On Caliban: “A devil, a born devil, on whose nature / Nurture can never stick” (Act 4, Scene 1)

• Context: Prospero describing Caliban to Miranda and Ferdinand
• Significance: Shows Prospero’s harsh view of Caliban and raises questions about nature versus nurture

On his enemies’ guilt: “Their understanding / Begins to swell, and the approaching tide / Will shortly fill the reasonable shore / That now lies foul and muddy” (Act 5, Scene 1)

• Context: Prospero observing his enemies’ growing remorse
• Significance: Indicates Prospero’s plan is working and sets up the resolution

What are Some Key Moments that Show Prospero’s Failure of Empathy?

Prospero demonstrates a failure of empathy in several key moments throughout The Tempest:

1. After the tempest, Prospero assures Miranda that no harm was done, indicating a lack of concern for the traumatic impact the storm had on the shipwrecked characters.
2. Prospero admits to neglecting his duties as Duke of Milan in order to pursue his “secret studies” in magic, showing a self-absorbed disregard for his responsibilities to his subjects.
3. When Caliban curses him, Prospero threatens severe punishments, saying Caliban will be painfully punished and have his bones filled with aches. This demonstrates Prospero’s willingness to use cruelty to control those under his command.
4. In dealing with Ferdinand and Miranda’s relationship, Prospero uses threats of hatred and discord to protect his daughter, rather than trusting the young couple. This suggests he sees Miranda more as a pawn than a person.
5. Even when expressing forgiveness to his enemies at the end, Prospero’s language is choppy and reluctant, implying his reconciliation is more pragmatic than empathetic.

In what ways does Prospero Manipulate Others, and What are the Repercussions?

Prospero demonstrates a clear pattern of manipulation and control over the other characters in The Tempest:

1. Manipulation of Miranda: Prospero withholds information about Miranda’s past as the daughter of the Duke of Milan, keeping her in the dark about her true identity for 12 years. He also uses his magic to put Miranda to sleep when he wants to discuss private matters. This shows Prospero prioritizing his own agenda over his daughter’s autonomy.
2. Exploitation of Ariel: Prospero constantly reminds Ariel of the debt he owes for being freed from the witch Sycorax, using this to maintain control over the spirit. Prospero promises Ariel’s freedom but delays it, keeping Ariel in a state of servitude.
3. Domination of Caliban: When Caliban resists Prospero’s authority, Prospero threatens him with severe punishments like being “pinched as thick as honeycomb.” Prospero also undermines Caliban’s connection to his mother Sycorax, trying to limit Caliban’s own sense of identity and reality.

The repercussions of Prospero’s manipulations are seen in the resentment and rebellion they provoke from the other characters. Caliban curses Prospero and plots against him, while Ariel, though outwardly obedient, grows increasingly weary of his servitude. Even Miranda, though loving her father, begins to question his actions.