Prospero is the dramatic Center of “The Tempest”. Show how?

Answer

Prospero is the dramatic center of “The Tempest”. Show how? (2019)

In “The Tempest” (1623), William Shakespeare (1564–1616) creates Prospero as the heart and soul of the drama. The whole story moves around him. It is about his power, his plan, and his forgiveness. He is a father, a ruler, a magician, and a philosopher. Every event, storm, love, and peace comes from his will. Without Prospero, the play has no life, no direction, and no meaning.

Prospero as the Master of the Action: From the very beginning, Prospero controls the whole action of the play. The tempest, the shipwreck, and the reunion all happen by his design. It is his magic that brings his enemies to the island. When Miranda fears for the people in the storm, Prospero calmly says,

“Tell your piteous heart, 

There’s no harm done.”

This line shows that Prospero is the master of the storm. He rules the stage like a director. All other characters, Ariel, Caliban, Ferdinand, Alonso, Antonio, and Sebastian, move according to his plan.

Prospero as a Seeker of Justice: The story of “The Tempest” begins with Prospero’s past. He was once the Duke of Milan but was betrayed by his brother, Antonio, and King Alonso of Naples. They threw him and baby Miranda into the sea. By Gonzalo’s kindness, he reached the island and built a new life. This event makes Prospero both a victim and a seeker of justice. He says to Miranda,

“My brother, and thy uncle, call’d Antonio—

He whom next thyself 

Of all the world I loved.”

This line shows his pain and love. His desire to make things right gives the play its central purpose.

Prospero as a Magician: Prospero’s magical power makes him a god-like figure in the play. With his books and staff, he commands the spirit Ariel and controls nature itself. He creates storms, causes illusions, and tests people’s hearts. Ariel calls him “great master”. Ariel shows