How Does Prospero Show Identity In The Tempest

Identity and Credibility in The Tempest

Identity is something every person will eventually struggle with. Whether it be personal identity or some other person being honest about who they are and what they value. Within The Tempest, there was always a reoccurring theme of how Prospero was mysterious and not showing his true nature. In Act 1 scene 2 this becomes especially evident when Prospero confronts Caliban for attacking his daughter, Miranda. Caliban then begins describing his treatment and how Prospero took everything from him including the island which did not belong to him. Prospero labels Caliban as a monster but as Caliban talks more, aspects of Prospero begin to be revealed. Although Caliban’s actions Many people are not what they

As he was once a ruler, he prefers control over his environment which is why he is willing to manipulate his daughter and mistreat Caliban in order for him to serve him. Another character whom Prospero has under his command is Ariel, which Prospero freed, “Dost thou forget from what torment I did free thee?” (1.2.250). Prospero is willing to use others to achieve his end goal and because Prospero has saved Ariel, he uses this as leverage to get his service. As the play progresses, in Act 5, it is seen as evidence that Prospero has changed as a person. He has learned to let events progress on their own without his controlling intervention. He finally frees Ariel and eventually admits to the mistakes he made at the beginning to Caliban. He takes responsibility for creating the monster which Caliban is (5.1). Although in the end, Caliban may have been correct in stating that Prospero did mistreat him initially, Prospero is able to grow out of his controlling and monstrous nature. Caliban, on the other hand, does not

Prospero is a character of mystery and illusion. He does whatever it takes to maintain control of the environment around him. It is important to be aware of people that share these traits as they are willing to do anything for their well-being. Caliban was a character that embraced his evil nature. He, like Prospero, would do anything to achieve his goals. This makes both characters more alike than one would initially think. The only difference is Prospero likes to keep a good outward image while Caliban does not. And this is what makes Prospero the most dangerous as he acts in the face of treason while Caliban remains true. From Caliban, at least you are aware he is against you, but with Prospero, you would not know until too late. Not everyone is like Prospero or Caliban but understanding that people like them exist is important in forming relationships and knowing not to trust people blindly. Taking time to understand the identities of people and what they value is important before trusting them and giving them