Prospero

Definition

Prospero is the central character in Shakespeare's play 'The Tempest,' serving as a complex figure who embodies the archetype of the wise ruler and magician. He represents themes of power, control, and redemption as he navigates his desire for vengeance against those who wronged him while ultimately seeking reconciliation. Prospero's character highlights the transformation from a position of oppression to one of forgiveness, emphasizing his role in shaping the narrative through magic and manipulation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Prospero was once the Duke of Milan but was overthrown by his brother Antonio, leading to his exile on an isolated island with his daughter Miranda.
2. He uses magic learned from books to control spirits like Ariel and manipulate events around him, showcasing his intelligence and power.
3. Throughout the play, Prospero struggles with his desire for revenge against those who betrayed him versus his eventual choice to forgive them.
4. His relationship with Ariel reflects themes of freedom and servitude, as he promises to grant Ariel freedom in exchange for loyalty and assistance.
5. In the end, Prospero renounces his magical powers, symbolizing his journey toward personal growth and the acceptance of human limitations.

Review Questions

• How does Prospero's role as a magician shape his relationships with other characters in 'The Tempest'?
  • Prospero's role as a magician allows him to manipulate the circumstances around him, influencing the actions and fates of other characters like Ferdinand, Ariel, and Caliban. His use of magic creates a sense of control but also raises ethical questions about power dynamics and free will. This manipulation ultimately leads to pivotal moments in the play, especially in how he orchestrates encounters that force other characters to confront their past actions.
• Discuss how Prospero's character evolves throughout 'The Tempest' and what this evolution signifies about themes of power and forgiveness.
  • Prospero begins as a figure consumed by revenge against those who wronged him but gradually shifts towards a more forgiving stance by the play's end. This evolution signifies a deeper understanding of power—not just as a means to control others but as an opportunity for compassion and reconciliation. His final choice to forgive rather than punish reflects a significant theme in the play about the transformative power of mercy and understanding in overcoming past grievances.
• Evaluate how Prospero's identity as an exile informs his actions and decisions throughout 'The Tempest,' especially concerning themes of belonging and authority.
  • Prospero's identity as an exile profoundly influences his actions, as he grapples with feelings of loss and displacement while seeking to reclaim his rightful authority. His isolation on the island forces him to confront both his past grievances and the responsibility that comes with power. This duality creates tension between his desire for revenge and his ultimate realization that true authority lies in forgiveness and understanding, emphasizing the complexity of human relationships in the quest for belonging.

Related terms

Magician: A character archetype often portrayed as having supernatural powers or knowledge, used to influence events and characters, exemplified by Prospero's control over the island and its inhabitants.

Exile: The state of being barred from one's home country or community, a significant aspect of Prospero's backstory, as he was usurped and forced to live on the island.

Redemption: The act of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil; Prospero's journey involves seeking redemption for himself and others through forgiveness and reconciliation.