![]() ![]() That is Antonio, an inveterate evil being, completely opposite in nature to his brother, Prospero.Īntonio's villainy reaches another plane when he instigates Sebastian to kill Alonso, who actually supported him to gain the dukedom of Milan. He does not have any filial considerations and does not even flinch at the thought of their suffering. To make that dream true, along with Alonso, the King of Naples, he plots against the life of his own brother and leaves him and his daughter to die among the waves of the sea. Living a life of borrowed powers, he starts considering himself to be the actual Duke of Milan. He makes friends with those who are ambitious enough to go against his brother and those who did not go against their conscience, he strips them of their designations and responsibilities. After getting the reins of Milan, he deliberately makes a plan to oust his brother. In fact, he is the only person who does not undergo any remorse even after the strange and gruelling experiences on the island.Īntonio is a schemer and plotter. He does not have any pangs of conscience. He will instigate others also to follow the path of evil. He will go to any length to fulfil his ambition. Only an enlightened person can do that.Īntonio, the brother of the protagonist in 'The Tempest', is an embodiment of villainy. Thus, Prospero encaptures the qualities of a philosopher, moralist, and a human with saintly qualities a man of wisdom who willingly gives up his supernatural powers with which he could control even the forces of Nature. Towards the end of the play, we see him as a mature man full of philosophical insight, who is able to see life with equanimity of mind. Once his purpose is fulfilled, Prospero renounces his magical powers and returns to his kingdom, which is restored to him. Also, he is relentless in the pursuit of his enemies and makes them go through pain and depression but just to make them repent. He is especially cruel to Caliban but this can be excused, considering the wicked nature of the son of a witch. He enslaves Ariel and Caliban and exploits them. Like all humans, Prospero has flaws in character. He releases Ariel to his elements and leaves the island to Caliban. In spite of the grievous wrong done, he forgives his enemies wholeheartedly, as he believes in humanity rather than revenge. ![]() Once he is assured of Ferdinand's sincerity, he gives his daughter's hand to the young lover but with a warning, that is, not to take advantage of her innocence.Įven though his enemy is powerful, vengeful and dangerous, yet he is tender, forgiving and divine. He makes Ferdinand perform menial tasks to test his sincerity. The protective father that he is, he creates impediments in their way to strengthen their bond. With the help of Ariel, he makes the young people fall in love. Everything Prospero does is for the well-being of his daughter, even the storm brings the life partner of his daughter. His training has been impeccable so that Miranda grows up to be a gentle, loving and graceful being, with a tender heart. Prospero comes across as a doting parent who lavishes all his love and care on his only daughter Miranda. It is as though he was born to rule, and he ruled everyone's destiny, including those of his enemies. He used his magical powers to dominate the spirits of the island. But the gallant Prospero survived and established himself as the ruler of an uninhabited island with the help of his magic. He and his daughter were bundled off in a flimsy boat, unfit even for rats, to the mercy of the sea. That was the tragic flaw in his character, which brought about his disaster. With the result, he handed over the governance of his State to his brother Antonio. The deep interest he had in philosophy and magic compelled him to indulge in studies more and more. We come to know that he used to be the powerful ruler of Milan, whose power was usurped by his own brother, whom he loved like his own son. The events of the story reveal his character. Prospero's story unfolds through his own words to Miranda. The opening episode which depicts a fierce storm is masterminded by him and the play ends with an epilogue addressed by him to the audience. All the actions emanate from him and because of him. ![]() Prospero is the principal character or the protagonist of the play, 'The Tempest'. ![]()
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