The Tempest Research Paper

A blessing is a positive life changing event closely linked to religion. A blessing usually comes when it is least expected and cannot be asked for by the receiving person. In The Tempest, the storm brings everyone together and they realize the things they really want in life. The tempest that Prospero creates is a blessing because the characters that are deserving are able to complete their quests and find themselves in the process, the sinners repent, and the chain of being is eventually broken conveying the changing society. The tempest created in the beginning of the play aids all the characters to find who they are and complete their quests. The tempest is a situation of serendipity, because the characters find who they want to …show more content…
It becomes evident throughout the play that Caliban is a follower that feels he does not have the power to give input into any situation presented to him. When Stephano offers him wine and is ‘kind’ to him, Caliban is intrigued by this new form of ‘religion’ that he has found through the drink that his new god is offering him. When Caliban becomes sober once again after his intoxicated worshiping of a master that was not his own, he realizes his wrongs. While inside the circle drawn by Prospero’s staff, Caliban says, “...I’ll be wiser hereafter/ And seek for grace.” (pg 167, 351-352) Caliban apologizes to Prospero and repents, which is partially Prospero’s goal for bringing everyone to the island. The repentance of the people on the island, although part of Prospero’s total plan, makes him come to the realization of the effects of power on the human mind. Although lower on the chain of being, Caliban does possess the traits of a human when looked at by Prospero, and the newfound acceptance Prospero exhibits when releasing his magic and relinquishing himself from the ‘god’ position on the chain of being shows in the form on kindness. By repenting Caliban exhibits his ability to act as a human, although being in the mineral state. His repentance elevates him to a more noble ranking on the chain of being, and he shows that he now worthy of respect and forgiveness from Prospero. Throughout The Tempest Antonio and Sebastian are known as the ‘three men of sin’ due to their actions. Sebastian and Antonio plan to kill Alonso in his sleep in order to obtain the kingdom and to be able to stop paying the tribute that was installed. They also mock Gonzalo throughout the story. Gonzalo represents the good qualities of humans by always having a positive outlook on the situations presented to him. Sebastian and Antonio represent the evil in society by always trying to make the optimist feel