Forgiveness and Reconciliation are the keynotes in the play “The Tempest” – Discuss. 

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Forgiveness and Reconciliation are the keynotes in the play “The Tempest” – Discuss. 

or, Comment on the theme of forgiveness and reconciliation in the play “The Tempest”

“The Tempest” (1623) is a remarkable tragi-comedy by William Shakespeare (1564-1616). The play circles around themes of forgiveness and reconciliation. These are crucial elements that drive the plot of the play forward. William Shakespeare indeed explores the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation prominently through the character of Prospero. Here are key points that highlight the significance of forgiveness and reconciliation in the play.

Prospero’s Forgiveness: At the heart of “The Tempest” is Prospero’s journey towards forgiveness. Prospero, the former Duke of Milan, was betrayed by his brother Antonio and Alonso, the King of Naples. They exiled Prospero to a remote island. Throughout the play, Prospero wrestles with feelings of anger and a desire for revenge. He uses magic to create a storm (the tempest) to shipwreck his enemies. However, by the end, he forgives those who wronged him, including his brother Antonio. His decision to forgive is a crucial turning point in the plot. He realizes that forgiveness is more powerful than holding onto anger. His forgiveness is essential for his own peace of mind and for the resolution of the play’s conflicts. Before he faces his enemies, Prospero tells Ariel that, 

“The rarer action is 

In virtue than in vengeance.” 

Prospero means to say that it is better to forgive than to hate one’s enemies.

Reconciliation with Caliban: Prospero’s relationship with Caliban, the native inhabitant of the island, is complex. Prospero kills the witch Sycorax, the mother of Caliban. Then, he starts to reign over the island. Initially, Prospero treats Caliban harshly. He sees him as a slave and a brute. However, as the play progresses, Prospero begins to acknowledge his own role in Caliban’s mistreatment. Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano plot to kill Prospero and steal his book. Eventually, Prospero forgives Caliban for his attempted rebellion and the attempt to rape Miranda. Caliban promises, 

“I’ll be wise hereafter

And seek for grace.” 

Prospero pardons them. 

Reconciliation between Prospero and Alonso: Another significant reconciliation occurs between Prospero and Alonso, the King of Naples. Prospero blames Alonso for his exile and the loss of his dukedom. However, as the play develops, Prospero controls events that lead Alonso to repent his past actions. In the final act, Prospero reveals himself to Alonso, forgives him, and reconciles with him. This moment marks a turning point in Prospero’s forgiveness and sets the stage for the play’s resolution.

Forgiveness and Reunion in the Family: Central to the plot of “The Tempest” is the reunion of Prospero’s family. Prospero’s daughter, Miranda, was just a child when they were exiled to the island. She grew up without knowledge of her royal heritage. Throughout the play, Prospero works towards reuniting Miranda with her rightful place in society. His forgiveness of those who wronged him allows for this reunion to take place. Toward the end of the play, Prospero gives Ferdinand and Miranda his blessing to marry. He says,

“We are such stuff

As dreams are made on, and our little life

Is rounded with a sleep.”

It restores harmony within the family and brings closure to past misery.

Repentance and Redemption: Many characters in “The Tempest” experience moments of repentance and redemption. For example, Alonso feels profound guilt for his role in Prospero’s exile. He believes that his son, Ferdinand, has perished in the shipwreck caused by Prospero’s magic. This guilt leads Alonso to repent his past actions and seek forgiveness. Similarly, characters like Antonio and Sebastian, who conspired against Prospero, are confronted with their misdeeds. They are given the opportunity to repent. Through repentance and reconciliation, these characters find redemption and a chance for a fresh start.

Universal Message of Forgiveness: Beyond the individual relationships depicted in the play, “The Tempest” delivers a broader message about the power of forgiveness and reconciliation. Prospero delivers the soliloquy, the final lines of the play,

“As you from crimes would pardoned be,

Let your indulgence set me free.”

Shakespeare suggests that forgiveness is not only a personal virtue but also a transformative force capable of healing past wounds. It restores harmony to fractured relationships. By emphasizing forgiveness as a central theme, Shakespeare encourages audiences to reflect on their capacity for forgiveness and reconciliation in their lives.

In conclusion, “The Tempest” explores the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation through the journey of its characters. The play reveals past betrayals and leads to forgiveness. Through its portrayal of repentance, redemption, and reunion, the play delivers a powerful message about the transformative power of forgiveness in overcoming adversity and restoring harmony to fractured relationships.