How Does Shakespeare Present Prospero As A Father

While the title of a father is less prestigious than that of a kings, they are similar in function; when William Shakespeare got the opportunity to write for King James the First, through his play “The Tempest” he showed how he failed them as a leader. Prospero, like the playwrights King, might be a powerful leader, but neglects the many fatherly qualities expected from his position. While Shakespeare clearly shows Prospero’s attitude as a father through the interactions with his daughter, his outlook as a parent is also portrayed by the way he treats his surrounding inferiors on the island. Imprisoning his daughter the same way in which Ariel and Caliban serve him, he is able to control her without forfeiting his title as her father. Failing

While considered naturally a father, Prospero fails to love his inferiors; only sharing his love for them when they are successful, insulting them for their shortcomings. While Prospero is not the true guardian of the members on the island, he is the fatherly figure who dictates the commands to his inferiors; these relationships further describe his identity as as father. For example, when complimenting Ariel for his work, Prospero is shocked when he is expected to uphold his promise, originally stating, “My brave spirit… / Why that’s my spirit… ” (Shakespeare 81), as if he cared for him as a son, but after, when asked, snarled, “How now! Moody? What is’t thou canst demand” (Shakespeare 82) displaying his unconditional love for his inferior. In moments like these, it is evident the standards in which he expects from others; the only suggestion he will take is that of his own. Additionally, this selfish mindset is found within his interactions with Caliban, a man raised like a son by Prospero but now treated as a slave. This abrupt transition from son to “dirt” exposes the conditional love he has for his family, showing the extents he will go as a father. As explained by Prospero, “I have us’d thee, / Filth as thou art, with human care, and log’d thee / In mine own cell, till thou didst seek to violate / The honor of my child;” (Shakespeare 86) while Prospero actions are

For example, when asked if she was listing, she responded “Your tale, sir, would cure deafness,” (Shakespeare 77) blessing his words to avoid conflict. His parenting strategy prohibits her from becoming an independent speaker; in comparison to the lengthy questions of Prospero, Miranda remarks are not insightful and short. While maintaining the appearance of a selfless father, Prospero is able to indirectly instill fear in his daughter, ensuring that she never challenges his opinions. Considering Miranda is defenseless to her powerful dad, she can never admit that he is abusing her; instead she lies, saying, “The strangeness of your story put / Heaviness in me,” (Shakespeare 84-85) so that she does not receive the same fate as Caliban and Ariel. While Prospero’s power goes unchecked, his parenting becomes more like his treatment of the inferiors of the island, threatening even his daughter with his presence. This disrespect for Miranda’s comfort demonstrates how his intentions were never for her but only for