Discovering One’s Ability to Forgive In Shakespeare’s The Tempest, forgiveness is manifested as a motif throughout the play. Shakespeare illustrates that the ability to rise above and reconcile with others can lead to inner peace, through the character of Prospero. As the play begins, the mood is dark, consistent with the turmoil Prospero experiences as he plans to seek vengeance against his rivals. However, his state of mind begins to shift when his spirit helper, Ariel, proclaims that “[Prospero’s] charm so strongly work[ed]’em that if [he] now beheld them, [his] affections would become tender” (Shakepseare.V.I.17-19). Following this encounter with Ariel, Prospero is plagued with feelings of guilt as he realizes that holding a grudge against
