1. What are Prospero's wishes for his daughter in Act III, Scene I of "The Tempest"?
2. How does Ariel earn his freedom in Act III and how does Prospero view his efforts?
3. Which conspirators, Sebastian and Antonio or Caliban and Stephan, are more dangerous in "The Tempest"?
4. Does Prospero want to harm or help other characters in the play? Explain with evidence.
1. Prospero's remarks in Act III, Scene I, imply that he wishes for his daughter Miranda to marry Ferdinand and become the queen of Naples. Prospero hopes that by arranging this marriage, he will be able to restore his own position of power and influence. In this scene, Prospero also reflects on the fleeting nature of human life and suggests that he wants to secure Miranda's future before he dies. His words reveal a deep love for his daughter and a desire to ensure her happiness and safety.
2. (a) In Act III, Ariel helps Prospero to create an elaborate spectacle that leads to the reconciliation of Ferdinand and Miranda. By creating this illusion, Ariel demonstrates his power and his ability to manipulate events to suit Prospero's purposes.
(b) Prospero views Ariel's efforts favorably and promises to grant him his freedom once his tasks are complete. He praises Ariel for his hard work and his loyalty, and expresses his gratitude for the spirit's help in carrying out his plans.
3. The conspirators Sebastian and Antonio are more dangerous than Caliban and Stephano. While Caliban and Stephano plot to overthrow Prospero, their plans are largely unsuccessful due to their own incompetence and lack of power. In contrast, Sebastian and Antonio are motivated by greed and ambition, willing to commit murder to achieve their goals. They pose a serious threat to the stability of the kingdom of Naples and the safety of its rulers.
4. Considering all the subplots, it appears that Prospero wants to help the other characters by teaching them important lessons and bringing about their transformation. While he uses his magic to control events and manipulate the actions of others, his ultimate goal is reconciliation and forgiveness. Prospero arranges for Ferdinand and Miranda to fall in love, reconciles Alonso with his son, forgives his enemies, and offers them a chance at redemption. Through his actions, Prospero shows deep compassion and a desire to help others become their best selves.
Gratitude and Compassion in "The Tempest"
William Shakespeare's "The Tempest" is a play that explores themes of power, control, forgiveness, and transformation. At the heart of the story is Prospero, a former Duke who uses his magic to orchestrate events on a remote island where he and his daughter Miranda have been exiled. Through Prospero's actions, the audience witnesses the complexities of human relationships and the power of redemption.
Prospero's wishes for his daughter Miranda reveal his deep love and concern for her well-being. In Act III, Scene I, he expresses a desire for her to marry Ferdinand, the Prince of Naples, in hopes of securing her future and restoring his own position of authority. This paternal instinct drives much of Prospero's actions throughout the play, as he seeks to shape Miranda's destiny and ensure her happiness.
Ariel, the spirit bound to Prospero's service, plays a vital role in helping Prospero achieve his goals. In Act III, Ariel's magical abilities are on full display as he creates illusions and orchestrates events to bring about the reconciliation of Ferdinand and Miranda. Prospero acknowledges Ariel's efforts and promises him freedom as a reward, demonstrating his gratitude and respect for the spirit's loyalty.
The Dangers of Ambition and Greed
While Caliban and Stephano conspire to overthrow Prospero, their actions are largely ineffectual due to their own incompetence and lack of power. In contrast, Sebastian and Antonio's plot to assassinate the King of Naples reveals a darker side of human nature driven by ambition and greed. Their willingness to commit murder to achieve their goals poses a serious threat to the stability of the kingdom and the safety of its rulers.
Prospero's motives, however, appear to be rooted in a desire to help others rather than harm them. Despite using his magic to manipulate events, his ultimate goal is to bring about reconciliation and forgiveness among the characters. By arranging for Ferdinand and Miranda to fall in love, reconciling Alonso with his son, and forgiving his enemies, Prospero demonstrates a deep sense of compassion and a belief in the power of transformation.
In conclusion, "The Tempest" is a tale of gratitude, compassion, and the complexities of human relationships. Through characters like Prospero, Ariel, Caliban, and Sebastian, Shakespeare delves into themes of power, redemption, and the potential for growth and change. By exploring Prospero's wishes, Ariel's efforts, the dangers of ambition, and Prospero's motives, the play invites audiences to reflect on the nature of forgiveness, gratitude, and the transformative power of love.