The Driving Force Underlying Prospero’s Actions is Revenge
The Driving Force Underlying Prospero’s Actions is Revenge
The concept of revenge is a central theme in almost every work written by William Shakespeare, including Hamlet, Othello, Macbeth and The Tempest. It was one of the most important aspect of human nature presented in his works. In The Tempest, from the very beginning, Prospero’s behaviour seems to be highly related to his deep resentment of having been betrayed and overthrown by his own brother, Antonio. Every action taken, every decision made by Prospero is driven by his feeling of vengeance, at least, at the first half of the play. Nevertheless, Prospero undergoes a transformation caused by his own human nature, allowing himself to forgive those who sinned against him only after he has emerged triumphant and has seen the traitors pay for their transgressions. In this way, Shakespeare shows revenge as a wild justice and not a noble cause from which good results cannot be expected.
Fortunately for Prospero, Fortune has brought his enemies within his grasp and he seizes the opportunity for exacting his revenge. After having waited for almost twelve years, Prospero has the chance to take revenge on those who have ousted him from his power and expelled him from his own dukedom. The play starts with Prospero causing a tempest in order to bring his enemies to the shore of the island. Therefore, the idea vengeance and intense hatred breeded on Prospero is highlighted. His desire for revenge has apparently lain unconcious in Prospero’s mind through the years of banishment, and now, with the sudden arrival of his foes, the great wrong of twelve years before is stirringly present again, arousing the passions and stimulating his will to action.
Moreover, not only Prospero’s actions are related to his vindictiveness but also his speeches throughout the play. At first, when he explains Miranda how they have arrived in that island, his thirst for revenge is definitely explicit (1.2.1-185). He brands his
The concept of revenge is a central theme in almost every work written by William Shakespeare, including Hamlet, Othello, Macbeth and The Tempest. It was one of the most important aspect of human nature presented in his works. In The Tempest, from the very beginning, Prospero’s behaviour seems to be highly related to his deep resentment of having been betrayed and overthrown by his own brother, Antonio. Every action taken, every decision made by Prospero is driven by his feeling of vengeance, at least, at the first half of the play. Nevertheless, Prospero undergoes a transformation caused by his own human nature, allowing himself to forgive those who sinned against him only after he has emerged triumphant and has seen the traitors pay for their transgressions. In this way, Shakespeare shows revenge as a wild justice and not a noble cause from which good results cannot be expected.
Fortunately for Prospero, Fortune has brought his enemies within his grasp and he seizes the opportunity for exacting his revenge. After having waited for almost twelve years, Prospero has the chance to take revenge on those who have ousted him from his power and expelled him from his own dukedom. The play starts with Prospero causing a tempest in order to bring his enemies to the shore of the island. Therefore, the idea vengeance and intense hatred breeded on Prospero is highlighted. His desire for revenge has apparently lain unconcious in Prospero’s mind through the years of banishment, and now, with the sudden arrival of his foes, the great wrong of twelve years before is stirringly present again, arousing the passions and stimulating his will to action.
Moreover, not only Prospero’s actions are related to his vindictiveness but also his speeches throughout the play. At first, when he explains Miranda how they have arrived in that island, his thirst for revenge is definitely explicit (1.2.1-185). He brands his