Tempest And Prospero's View

In William Shakespeare's the Tempest, many are left to wonder what the ideal mode of rule is, and which character has the ideal concept of how to rule properly. Often, the characters' convictions are based on their view of the nature of men and the essence of the material world, and they behave in accordance with their convictions. Prospero believes that it is necessary for him to control nature, and redirect the vices of the people around him, while Gonzalo believes that nature should rule, and that the actions of those who try to oppose nature are wasting effort, and harmful. In the end, Gonzalo's view proves more fitting for rule, and Prospero adopts some of Gonzalo's philosophy, and accept the fact that he cannot realistically control
Because of his perspective as a mediator/advisor, he tends to hold a more passive view of nature, and have confidence in the natural order and faculty of men. When on the island, instead of plotting to overthrow Alonso, he comforts him, believing the order he sustains is good. To Gonzalo, he believes that nature "provides everything advantageous to life" (pg 55), and abundance to all who are willing to accept what nature has to offer (pg 63), but that meddlers/usurpers are bad, and disturb the natural order appointed by providence, only causing harm and anguish. This viewpoint can be attributed to his detached perspective as an adviser, and it is a result of his view of the usurpation of Prospero. He holds the most optimistic opinion of nature, believing that all men possess reason, and have the capacity to change, feel guilt and regret, and that they are capable of improvement (pg 117), but his passive tendencies tend to prevent Gonzalo from ruling, because he is unwilling to act. However, while he is mocked as foolish by the Royal Party, Gonzalo's ideas ultimately permeate through the play, and people are ultimately led to live true to their own natures, and act in their natural states and faculties, instead of being manipulated and controlled by