In what ways does Prospero use (and abuse) his power? Has he learned anything by the end of the play?

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In what ways does Prospero use (and abuse) his power in The Tempest? Has he learned anything by the end of the play?

In “The Tempest”, Prospero has become obsessed with power and magic, this is proven in the past when he pushed his duties of Duke of Milan aside, giving his brother Antonio governing authority in order to learn the arts of magic. By the time the play begins, he is able to conjure up storms and spirits, and cast spells and charms over others. He has the power to raise a tempest at the start of a play. His magical power is also used on many other occasions.

Prospero brought Miranda up on the island for twelve years; he explains this to her and the story of how his brother Antonio had plotted against him with the king of Naples to fully usurp his obligations as duke of Milan,

“o’er- prized all popular rate, in my false brother Awkward and evil nature: and my trust, like a good patient, did beget of him”

This causes Miranda to worship Prospero for what he has done, raising her on his own for the past twelve years.

“Your tale, sir, would cure deafness”,

Prospero already gains power over her when he shows her how he has nurtured and cared for her, making her feel like she owes him for what he has done.

“Alack, what trouble was I then for you!”

He uses his magic powers to soothe his daughter, casting a spell to send her to sleep after he has told her everything he thought was necessary, this shows his good intentions.

Prospero also plays a big part in bringing Ferdinand and Miranda together when he arranges for them to meet after the shipwreck. Ariel leads Ferdinand into Prospero’s ‘cell’ and Prospero claims,

“It goes on, I see, as my soul prompts it.”

He makes Miranda think Ferdinand is ‘A thing divine’ as she has never seen anyone else. He has total control over the situation. He also shows a more cruel side to his personality by testing Ferdinand, pulling him aside and telling him that, ‘The Duke of Milan and his braver daughter could control thee if now ‘twere fit to do’t.’ Prospero tests him when he decides that Ferdinand must earn Miranda’s love. Prospero also treats Ferdinand badly as Ferdinand’s father is King of Naples and plotted against Prospero,

“Speak you not for him: he’s a traitor”

Prospero tortures Ferdinand in order for him to gain Miranda’s sympathy, and to also test Ferdinand’s character, as if he didn’t like Miranda that much, he would go away when Prospero tells him this.

When Ferdinand and Miranda are planning to get married, Prospero talks to Ferdinand about his daughter as if they are carrying out a business deal, an example of this is when Prospero describes Miranda as a rich gift to Ferdinand when he is about to give his daughter over.

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“I ratify this my rich gift”… “and thine own acquisition worthily purchased worthily purchased, take my daughter”

But with this deal he attaches a threat to Ferdinand of the consequences of him taking Miranda’s virginity before marriage,

“If thou dost break her virgin-knot before all sanctimonious ceremonies”

Prospero continues to warn Ferdinand of the consequences that would follow this,

“The union of your bed with weeds so loathly that you shall hate it both.”

Ferdinand listens to powerful Prospero and appeases him by promising not to break his rules,

“shall never melt mine honour into lust”

Prospero uses his power ...

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