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The Tempest Vs. An Enemy Of The People

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The Tempest vs An Enemy of the People
The Tempest is a play that explores many different ideas about humanity. Two of the primary themes of the Tempest are knowledge and power. The entire play shows the power of Prospero and of his spirit, Ariel, and the power that Prospero uses to control the entire story. He is a bit of a control freak when it comes down to it. Using his magic to enslave Ariel and using his magic to control the actions of the crew on the boat, and seek revenge upon those who wronged him. All of his power comes the knowledge he learned from his books. Showing the classic “Knowledge is power.” An Enemy of the People shares the theme of power and knowledge and what it really means to have power and knowledge. The play shows a big struggle for power, primarily between the two brothers, but also includes side characters, who are just looking for the best opportunity for their own success. …show more content…

In the Tempest Prospero ends up doing what is morally right. However, the play shows how devious Prospero is and how much knowledge he possesses. Making the reader question if he only gave mercy to his enemies for his daughter's sake and so that they could get back to the mainland. It would not be very much of a stretch considering the amount of power prospero possesses. A small taste of it can be seen in this quote “ PROSPERO The direful spectacle of the wreck, which touch'd The very virtue of compassion in thee,I have with such provision in mine art So safely ordered that there is no soul— No, not so much perdition as an hair, Be Tied to any creature in the vessel (1.2.33-38)” This quote explains that Prospero was powerful enough to destroy a ship in a very fierce storm, yet also keep the entire crew completely unharmed. Prospero’s power is

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