Discovery is fundamental to the growth and transformation of the individual, causing one to renew and question their perceptions of themselves and their own morality. William Shakespeare’s play, the Tempest (1611) is an abortive revenge drama that focuses on the character of Prospero as his discovery of the nature of humankind allows him to rekindle his sense of empathy. Conversely, Oscar Wilde’s novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890) follows the life of the titular protagonist whose discovery of the power of his youth and the inevitability of growing old causes the degradation of his virtue. Although these texts differ greatly in content and context, a parallel can be drawn between their insightful explorations of how discovery can transform
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In the Tempest, Prospero’s observations of the romance between Miranda and Ferdinand allow him to rediscover the pleasant and compassionate nature of humanity, and in turn, his own sense of morality and mercy for humankind. This initial discovery is conveyed when Prospero exclaims, “Fair encounter/ of two most rare affections! Heavens rain grace/ on that which breeds between ‘em!” (Act III sc i) after witnessing an encounter between Miranda and Ferdinand. The joyous tone and use of language that affirms the union suggests that Prospero endorses this relationship and has been profoundly emotionally affected by their love and compassion. Furthermore, this scene marks a departure from Prospero’s usually tyrannical and inhumane disposition, hence conveying a subtle change in his temperament as a result of this discovery. Prospero’s revelation that humanity can be positive is further reinforced when he announces, “the rarer action is/ in virtue than in vengeance” (Act V sc i), explicitly stating that Prospero has discovered that he would prefer to act with nobility and righteousness rather than in pursuit of revenge. This idea is represented through the use of alliteration of the terms “virtue” and “vengeance”. The harsh phonetic “v” sound that links these words suggests that both characteristics …show more content…
In the Tempest, Prospero’s discovery of his morality causes him to change his unforgiving view of humanity as he absolves others. This is conveyed when Prospero approaches Antonio, stating, “for you, most wicked sir, whom to call brother/ Would even infect my mouth, I do forgive/ Thy rankest fault” (Act V sc i). The hateful, repugnant tone implies Prospero’s former perceptions of his brother, and juxtaposes with his act of forgiveness. This quote demonstrates Prospero’s forgiveness of his brother after years of anger and spite towards him, conveying how the emotional discoveries made throughout the play have had a significant effect on Prospero, thus causing him to reassess his values and absolve Antonio. This idea is developed through the motif of Prospero’s magic. Magic is symbolic of Prospero’s lack of humanity, as ordinary humans do not have these abilities; hence the acquisition of his magic is hinted as being in exchange for his humanity and morality. However, after Prospero’s rediscovery of his morality, he relinquishes his magic, “this rough magic/ I here abjure” (Act V sc i). Since magic is viewed as a symbol of Prospero’s rejection of humanity, his vow to surrender this magic indicates that his virtue has returned to him as a result of his
In the Tempest, Prospero’s observations of the romance between Miranda and Ferdinand allow him to rediscover the pleasant and compassionate nature of humanity, and in turn, his own sense of morality and mercy for humankind. This initial discovery is conveyed when Prospero exclaims, “Fair encounter/ of two most rare affections! Heavens rain grace/ on that which breeds between ‘em!” (Act III sc i) after witnessing an encounter between Miranda and Ferdinand. The joyous tone and use of language that affirms the union suggests that Prospero endorses this relationship and has been profoundly emotionally affected by their love and compassion. Furthermore, this scene marks a departure from Prospero’s usually tyrannical and inhumane disposition, hence conveying a subtle change in his temperament as a result of this discovery. Prospero’s revelation that humanity can be positive is further reinforced when he announces, “the rarer action is/ in virtue than in vengeance” (Act V sc i), explicitly stating that Prospero has discovered that he would prefer to act with nobility and righteousness rather than in pursuit of revenge. This idea is represented through the use of alliteration of the terms “virtue” and “vengeance”. The harsh phonetic “v” sound that links these words suggests that both characteristics …show more content…
In the Tempest, Prospero’s discovery of his morality causes him to change his unforgiving view of humanity as he absolves others. This is conveyed when Prospero approaches Antonio, stating, “for you, most wicked sir, whom to call brother/ Would even infect my mouth, I do forgive/ Thy rankest fault” (Act V sc i). The hateful, repugnant tone implies Prospero’s former perceptions of his brother, and juxtaposes with his act of forgiveness. This quote demonstrates Prospero’s forgiveness of his brother after years of anger and spite towards him, conveying how the emotional discoveries made throughout the play have had a significant effect on Prospero, thus causing him to reassess his values and absolve Antonio. This idea is developed through the motif of Prospero’s magic. Magic is symbolic of Prospero’s lack of humanity, as ordinary humans do not have these abilities; hence the acquisition of his magic is hinted as being in exchange for his humanity and morality. However, after Prospero’s rediscovery of his morality, he relinquishes his magic, “this rough magic/ I here abjure” (Act V sc i). Since magic is viewed as a symbol of Prospero’s rejection of humanity, his vow to surrender this magic indicates that his virtue has returned to him as a result of his