The Transformation Of Prospero In Shakespeare's The Tempest

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Prospero in the beginning of The Tempest is the least favorite character in the play to most readers as he is the protagonist. His knowledge gets him quite far, but it also causes readers the struggle of disliking him because of his very controlling nature and his belief that he is better than everyone else. Prospero controls others through his magic, manipulation and with his speeches. In a speech delivered to Miranda he yells, “obey and be attentive” (1.1. 38) when he feels that she is not paying attention. This behavior and command conveys his controlling nature over his daughter. However Prospero himself is not aware of this as in his view, his manipulations and controlling nature of others is lending to keeping the peace and to forgiveness …show more content…
Prospero would do anything for his daughter Miranda and is very protective and controlling of her because of his feelings. Likely because of this control by her father, Miranda falls in love with Ferdinand the son of King Alonso of Naples the first time she meets him. Indeed, Ferdinand was the first man she has seen or spoken to besides her father and Caliban. Prospero at first is unsure of Ferdinand and Ferdinand is willing to do anything or be put through anything for the love he has for Miranda. Her father Prospero enslaves Ferdinand and he puts up with it because he wants to do whatever it takes to win over Prospero and marry Miranda. Ferdinand demonstrates his love for her by stating, “O most dear mistress/The sun will set before I shall discharge/What I must strive to do.”(3.1.24-26) Miranda and Ferdinand’s adoration for each other is a love story in the true sense as they fall in love the first time they even speak. Prospero observes how they look at each other and also recognized them attempting to make the marriage commitment. He then has a talk with Ferdinand about how to make marriage work and how to treat a woman. Miranda is very naïve, she’s never seen another woman before, so she has no idea if she really is as pretty as Ferdinand professes. Miranda confesses her love for Ferdinand saying, “I am your wife if you will marry me. If not, I’ll die your maid. To be your fellow/ You may deny me, but I’ll be your servant/Whether you will or no.” (3.1.100-103) In the end, Prospero lets go of the reigns and allows Miranda to be happy and get

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