Prospero's Influence In The Tempest

In William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, his own brother deceived the character Prospero and had his dukedom stolen from him. Prospero was the Duke of Milan but got distracted from his priorities; he showed more interests towards books and education, giving his brother Antonio the benefit to work behind his back. Antonio was able to get help from the King of Naples, in exchange for money and respect to get rid of Prospero. Prospero was kicked out of Milan one night with his daughter and landed in an island with help from Gonzalo. Prospero got access to books on the island he was residing at and strengthened his knowledge and magic powers. Prospero’s ultimate goal he was working towards for twelve years was to regain power to his dukedom and

As he was a duke previously, it was evident that he was unable to settle for anything less. His authoritative power has left a significant mark in his lifestyle, even when he is not the Duke of Milan; he managed to find a place he can control. In order to take full control of the island him and his daughter were residing on, he used his magic to his advantage and made everyone else his slave. There was a pregnant witch that died on the island and left her son, Caliban to strive for himself. In the beginning Prospero and Caliban got along well; Prospero would teach Caliban language and manners and in return Caliban would show him around the island. Prospero and Caliban maintained an unhealthy relationship because Caliban is convinced that Prospero stole the island from him, and now treating him disrespectfully. Caliban is described to be a disrespectful, disobedient, brutal, always plotting something behind Prospero’s back. As his urge to procreate was developing, he attempted to rape Miranda without regret. Prospero forgiving characteristic seemed to have developed when he was trying to teach obedience to his servant Caliban, but always resulting in misbehaviour. Eventually, Caliban recruited two drunkards from the shipwreck, and foolishly believed that they were lords. He planned to use them to help kill Prospero while he is sleeping, but failed to realize

It was in Alonso’s control whether to return the dukedom back or not due to his authorities. Even though Alonso supported Antonio to betray Prospero, he was ready to sacrifice anything in return for his son. To express his excitement of getting the dukedom back, Prospero wanted to give Alonso something in return that will satisfy him. While Alonso thought he lost Ferdinand during the shipwreck, Prospero strategically surprised Alonso by presenting his son and Miranda together. Before Prospero presented Ferdinand and Miranda in front of Alonso, he mentioned how he was experiencing the same loss of loosing his only child to the storm. Alonso’s sympathy resulted him in saying, “O heavens, that they were living both in Naples, The king and queen there!”. This statement indicates he approves of the relationship between Miranda and Ferdinand without hesitation. This benefits Prospero because Miranda was raised in an island alone with magical spirits and her father, now she is given the chance of being the queen of Naples. Alonso was so delighted to see his son alive, let alone with the future queen of Naples. The forgiveness and reconciliation with Alonso mattered the most but Prospero decided to forgive his brother as well. He also demanded his dukedom back, even though Alonso promised to return the dukedom. Prospero is aware of his brothers behaviour, therefore he can foreshadow what to expect