Essay on William Shakespeares The Tempest - 1420 Words

William Shakespeares The Tempest Consider the character of Prospero and show how he used his position to control many of the characters in the play and how his actions contribute to the dramatic effectiveness. How do his actions and the attitude of the characters to him relate to the events and thinking of Shakespeares day? In the Tempest, the character of Prospero is the protagonist. Prospero is the father of Miranda and has spent twelve years on the island since he was usurped from being the Duke of Milan. Prospero is a powerful man, which makes him a good leader. He is very knowledgeable because of the books he read. He also has control, because he can be harsh and firm but also virtuous†¦show more content†¦Ariel is Prosperos servant much like Caliban, but Ariel is mischievous, ubiquitous and able to carry out any task that Prospero wishes to be done. Prospero is also harsh and firm towards Miranda, but is in total control of her as well. He can control her every move and put her to sleep at once. He is also loving and kind towards her because he is her father and that is what fathers should be like towards their daughters. His language therefore alters when he is speaking to Miranda even though he is in control of her like all the other characters, he warns her about Ferdinand by saying to her, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ I fear you have done yourself some wrong. A word! Miranda replies to this by saying, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦this is the third man that eer I sawà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Although he is her father and is in total control of her, he is therefore not as harsh towards her as he is towards Caliban or various other characters. He therefore is harsh towards Ferdinand at first and that is why he uses stronger language towards Miranda to warn he about him, Follow me. Speak not you for him. Hes a traitor -come. This quotation shows the power Prosp ero has over Miranda. Prospero is full of kindness and tenderness not just harshness as he shows at the end of the play when he rightfully hands the island back to Caliban. As Prospero is in total control of Miranda he will not tell her about her past untilShow MoreRelatedEssay on William Shakespeares The Tempest2096 Words   |  9 PagesWilliam Shakespeares The Tempest Love, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is a â€Å"strong affection†, a â€Å"warm attraction†, an â€Å"unselfish loyal and benevolent concern† for another. It is â€Å"to feel a passion, devotion, or tenderness† for another. Love is simple and yet so utterly complex. Love is that which has the power to build you up and when taken away has the potential to knock you down. The Tempest by William Shakespeare is a political play with a love story woven throughout it. 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