The Tempest Trauma

The Tempest is a play full of trauma. All of this trauma is either dealt to or dealt by one character, Prospero. We see several instances of Prospero terrorizing those around him in different ways, mainly by using threat of physical or mental abuse. We see him continually use manipulation and violence in order to remain the most powerful on the isle, which causes his underlings to fear him. Within this essay, we will explore the different tactics that Prospero uses to get what he desires, and the resulted trauma. We learn that Prospero has been through a traumatic experience. The betrayal of his brother, Antonio, who chose to overthrow the throne in search of power, resulting in Prospero and his daughter, Miranda, becoming trapped on a near

He immediately asks Ariel “Dost thou forget/ from what torment I did free thee” (Shakespeare 1.2.299-300)? Prospero then quickly threatens to put Ariel back into the agony he was in before Prospero freed him, to put him back into a tree and let him lie in torment. We see that Prospero did indeed free Ariel from being trapped in a tree, but promised to set him free after only a year of servitude, a promise which he has yet to deliver on. Prospero is using mental manipulation and threats to keep Ariel by his side and have his continual loyalty. When Prospero again asks a favor of Ariel he promises that “after two days/ [he] will discharge [Ariel,]” but we cannot be sure if this is truly the case or not (Shakespeare 1.2.355-356). We see Ariel put in a tough position, either he continues to serve this man who has wronged him time and time again, or he can rebel and be put back into a hell like existence of pain. We see Ariel choose the slight hope of freedom, staying once again a slave to Prospero. Ariel is traumatized by the constant change up in his treatment from Prospero as well as the constant threat of being thrown back into his prison that he was trapped in for so long. Ariel stays subservient because he knows of the