What events cause Prospero to reveal his past to Miranda?
“The Tempest” is a notable literary work by William Shakespeare. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, to various questions of “The Tempest”.
Answer
What events cause Prospero to reveal his past to Miranda?
Prospero is the mysterious, powerful magician and the central figure in “The Tempest” (1623) by William Shakespeare (1564-1616). Miranda is an affectionate daughter of Prospero.
The circumstances that prompt Prospero to reveal his past to Miranda: It occurs when Miranda witnesses the storm that Prospero has invoked and expresses concern for the safety of those aboard the ship. This leads Miranda to inquire about Prospero’s past, and she encourages him to disclose his history.
Miranda’s Concern for the Ship’s crew: Miranda notices the storm, worries for the people aboard the ship, and feels sorrow for them. She understands that perhaps her father is responsible for the storm. She guises that Prospero has used his magical power to raise the storm in the sea. She says,
“If by your art, my dearest father, you have
Put the wild waters in this roar, allay them”
The quotation shows Miranda’s compassionate nature and prompts her to question Prospero about his actions.
Miranda’s Curiosity about Prospero’s Past: Though Miranda lives with her father for long days on a remote island, she does not know more about her father’s past. So, she usually wants to know the details about her father’s history.
Prospero’s Disclose His Past to Miranda: Prospero describes his past. He says he is not just an ordinary person but a powerful magician. He was once the Duke of Milan but was betrayed by his brothers Antonio and Alonso, the King of Naples. They usurped his position and left him and his daughter, Miranda, to perish at sea. However, Prospero’s magical abilities save them, and they end up on a remote island. He says,
“I have with such provision in mine art.”
Throughout the play, we get the description of Prospero’s magic
Seeking Revenge: Despite his magical prowess, Prospero is not content to live peacefully on the island. He meditates a deep desire for revenge against those who wronged him, Antonio and Alonso. He sees an opportunity to exact his revenge when Alonso’s ship carries Antonio and other nobles. The ship is shipwrecked on the island by Prospero’s magic.
Prospero’s Justification for His Actions: Prospero seeks to justify his actions and the use of his magic. He explains his betrayal at the hands of his brother Antonio and his quest for revenge against those who wronged him.In short, Miranda’s concern for the ship’s safety and her curiosity about Prospero’s past prompt him to reveal his history. Finally, he justifies his actions and forgives other characters. His story embodies themes of revenge, forgiveness, and redemption.