With close reference to the language and imagery of the passage, show in what ways it helps to establish the relationship between Miranda and Prospero (Act 1 Scene 2 Lines 1-134)

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How language and imagery helps to establish the relationship between Miranda and Prospero (Act 1 Scene 2 Lines 1-134)

The Tempest

With close reference to the language and imagery of the passage, show in what ways it helps to establish the relationship between Miranda and Prospero (Act 1 Scene 2 Lines 1-134)

Act one scene two opens with Miranda and Prospero standing on an island, after having just witnessed a shipwreck. Right from the first line we can establish the relationship between Miranda and Prospero, “My dearest father” (line 1.) As the scene commences, we begin to learn a great deal about the two roles.

Miranda opens the scene as she questions her father about the huge storm. “you have put the wild waters in this roar” (line 2.) Miranda presumes that her father was capable of the “tempest” and therefore this portrays that she does not have much trust for him. Miranda’s kindness and innocence is portray  heart” (line 8/9) and this contrasts to her father who is not as concerned as she is “Tell your piteous heart there’s no harm done” (line 14.)  

Prospero’s power and control over Miranda is something that really stands out, “obey and be attentive” (line 38) and it is clear that she respects him, “my dearest father” (line 1.) At first one may presume that Prospero is an evil man for causing the tempest, but I feel that he loves Miranda very much and would do anything to protect her.  “I have done nothing but in care of thee – of thee my dear one” (line 16/17.) He decides that it is time for him to teach Miranda about her past. This is very effective because not only do the audience learn about the reasons for the tempest, but we also learn about Miranda and Prospero’s history and their relationship together. It has taken Prospero many years to finally explain to Miranda what actually happened in the past. This may well be down to a lack of communication, or because he simply felt she was not old enough to understand.

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 When telling this story, Prospero is very forceful and controlling, ordering her to “sit down” and listen. In some parts, Shakespeare writes in the third person, almost as if someone was telling Miranda about her father, as if it were her story. In some aspects this is more effective as it would make her listen and understand the story more. “Thy father was the Duke of Milan and a prince of power”

When Prospero is telling Miranda the story about their past, he uses very bleak and powerful language, “In the dark backward and abysm of time?”  (line ...

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