In the tempest the character Prospero reminds me a lot of Jesus, or the son of God in the Christian religion. In various texts and discussions I have heard of the tempest as “prospero’s story” like the Bible is “God’s story.” There are many references in the tempest that remind me of stories in the bible. Such examples are: Antonio refusing to see the error of his ways – Peter denying that he would refuse Jesus. Alonso, Antonio, and Sebastian were brought to the island in order to repent to Ariel – Shad rak, Misha k and Abednego being thrown in the furnace for refused to worship the King of Babylon. As Prospero’s Brother Alonso takes away his dukedum it seems that he takes all of his power and being, I tend to disagree.
I think this makes him stronger. After this time Prospero spends much time studying and his powers over the island become stronger. I relate this to Lucifer (Satan) against God. When God kicked Lucifer out of heaven, Lucifer swore revenge. By Eve taking the bite out of the forbidden fruit she exposed the world to sin. God in turn, must regain his trust and faith from one person at a time, starting small before he will one day “take over” the world.
Or in Prospero’s case… regain his dukedum. Prospero in essence, is the center of the play, all events revolving around what he says and does. Prospero takes on a God-like figure choosing what will take place amongst the characters and between the characters and outside forces. Prospero uses his power only for good and to teach the characters a lesson. Prospero wishes that all men become good so that they may see the destructive paths they are on (this is a lot like eve biting into the apple and having man kinds eyes opened up to sin), and lead them toward their potential and who they may become.
The Essay on The character of Prospero in “The Tempest”
Prosperos complexity as a character seems to stem from his almost dual nature evident even from the first act of the play. His love for and extreme kindness towards Miranda are contrasted very strongly against his hatred of Antonio and his maltreatment of Ariel and subsequently Caliban. Prospero undoubtedly controls the dramatic action of the play but his motives are oftentimes unclear. ...
While Prospero is a very commanding and stern character I think he is a deep down good hearted and just man. He has spent many years studying magic and the art of spells. While Prospero spends a lot of the play standing in the backround watching and waiting as the other characters go about life, he is the ultimate source of power and control on the island. Prospero seems to have to use or desire to know those things that come from money or material.
Prospero did not dwell in such things as love and romance, as did his daughter Miranda. I think his devotion to knowledge and understanding gives him the wisdom and the power he would not otherwise have to be able to be such a powerful “leader” on the Island. Without reading all of Shakespeare’s other writing I tend to see a pattern in his ideologies. While I cannot guarantee that these similarities are nothing more than couinsidence, it seems a bit impossible. However reading a story like the tempest and being able to link it to a piece as well know as the bible makes it a lot more interesting and educational..
