Human Nature Of Vengeance In Shakespeare's The Tempest

In the play, The Tempest, Shakespeare’s main character, Prospero, plays the role of the human nature of vengeance against family. Shakespeare’s motive to describe the human nature of vengeance is to distinguish the bond of family is stronger than anything. He does this by placing Prospero in an island where he is forgotten and shapes him to be a able to commit his revenge. After the tempest had struck, we see the signs of Prospero having a concealed change of heart when he sees the love at first sight between Miranda and Prospero. As another encrypted message of Shakespeare, we see that Prospero’s vengeance is a game that he couldn’t win because of the strong forces of family.

During Shakespeare’s time, family was a sigil of power and wealth.

Yet, Shakespeare appeals to the reader by giving insight that people who seek revenge are not born evil and misguide their goal when everything around them is the opposite from what they wanted it to be. “ Fair encounter Of two most rare affections. Heavens rains grace On that which breeds between ‘em” (act 3, Sc 1, Lines 89-91)This shows how Prospero wanted to keep Miranda in his plans to be able to get his revenge yet he’s willing to sacrifice his plans so Miranda can fulfill her future destiny. Since his true intentions are still thriving, it creates an act of betrayal towards Miranda because he wants to avenge his revenge by giving up Miranda to marriage so he can he’s able to be closer to his goal. “the’ occasion speaks thee, and My strong imagination sees a crown Dropping upon thy head” (act2,sc1, lines 229-231) Since every action committed by Prospero, he sees a closer opportunity to make sure he has a chance for the crown. Prospero is relatable to Macbeth, since Macbeth had no chance to be able to reign, yet Macbeth’s actions cleared his path in order to reign. In Prospero’s case he's playing a game where he can only win or lose since he’s manipulating everyone in the island. Distracting Ferdinand with Miranda, he’s one step closer to the crown and his revenge. Being blinded by Miranda’s love and happiness, Prospero weakens and determines his goal

This causes for him to develop a soft spot for his family (including Miranda) and destroy his original goal since he’s hurting his family and himself. “But release me from my bands(bonds) With the help of your good hands” EPILOGUE 8-9 Now that he knows that he’s unable to fully commit to his goal, he lets it go and is able to let the people in the island live without casting spells on them any longer. He asks for forgiveness, since the bond of family is bigger than his goal and their betrayal. “Yet with my nobler reason ‘gainst my fury Do I take part. The rare action is In virtue than in vengeance” (act 5, sc 1, lines 34-36) In the quote, Prospero is knowing the reality of himself as his own opponent. Since he’s the only one playing his game, he’s questioning himself if what’s he’s doing is going to get him the throne instead of playing savior. He’s seeing that his actions are actually bettering the situation with the people in the island. Even though he has held them captive and under spells, the people in the island and Miranda are still not fully aware of what Prospero’s true intentions are. When we’re playing an intricate game of chess with ourselves, it's easy to see outcome. But when we play the pieces, the turnout effect is something that we’re not used to and we give up on it. In this game the only winners in the game are the people surrounding