Control In The Tempest
Consumed by Control
Are we motivated by the search for control or does this desire actually control us? People who are desperate for power rarely feel at peace unless they have a sense of influence over those around them. In William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Prospero loses his leadership to his brother and decides to use a purely psychological form of retaliation. Consequently, Prospero stops seeking revenge in scene V when his efforts give him the control he needs to regain satisfaction in life.
Prospero uses the means that he deems fit in order to take the power position in relationships because his quest for control dictates his actions. When he speaks to his own daughter, Prospero says, “thou art inclined to sleep...I know thou canst not choose,” taking away even her power to listen whenever he wants to speak with Ariel (I.ii.185-186). He takes away not only her ability to see and listen to these conversations, but sleep also serves as a way for Prospero to leave her in the dark to take away the option of interfering. Prospero sacrifices Miranda like a pawn in a chess game while trying to …show more content…
Prospero mentions, “I have used thee (Filth as thou art) with humane care, and lodged thee in mine own cell till thou didst seek to violate the honor of my child” (I.ii. 345-348). Prospero’s disgust toward Caliban makes this slave the best choice to better Prospero’s self-esteem because it comes along with avenge for his daughter. Caliban also acknowledges his loss of power by admitting, “I must obey. His art is of such pow’r it would control my dam’s god” (I.ii.373-374). Caliban also plays an important role in Prospero’s plan because after losing his dukedom, Prospero depends on the reassurance of his power position to further his plan. This control provides him with the confident mindset that eventually allows him to get revenge on
Are we motivated by the search for control or does this desire actually control us? People who are desperate for power rarely feel at peace unless they have a sense of influence over those around them. In William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Prospero loses his leadership to his brother and decides to use a purely psychological form of retaliation. Consequently, Prospero stops seeking revenge in scene V when his efforts give him the control he needs to regain satisfaction in life.
Prospero uses the means that he deems fit in order to take the power position in relationships because his quest for control dictates his actions. When he speaks to his own daughter, Prospero says, “thou art inclined to sleep...I know thou canst not choose,” taking away even her power to listen whenever he wants to speak with Ariel (I.ii.185-186). He takes away not only her ability to see and listen to these conversations, but sleep also serves as a way for Prospero to leave her in the dark to take away the option of interfering. Prospero sacrifices Miranda like a pawn in a chess game while trying to …show more content…
Prospero mentions, “I have used thee (Filth as thou art) with humane care, and lodged thee in mine own cell till thou didst seek to violate the honor of my child” (I.ii. 345-348). Prospero’s disgust toward Caliban makes this slave the best choice to better Prospero’s self-esteem because it comes along with avenge for his daughter. Caliban also acknowledges his loss of power by admitting, “I must obey. His art is of such pow’r it would control my dam’s god” (I.ii.373-374). Caliban also plays an important role in Prospero’s plan because after losing his dukedom, Prospero depends on the reassurance of his power position to further his plan. This control provides him with the confident mindset that eventually allows him to get revenge on