The Manipulation of Prospero Essay - 645 Words

The Manipulation of Prospero Manipulation means to influence or manage shrewdly or deviously; to tamper with or falsify for personal gain. In William Shakespeare’s play, The Tempest, we meet an interesting, mysterious Prospero, a magician and the true Duke of Milan now living on a deserted island with his daughter Miranda. Prospero has the power to manipulate his own daughter and does this because he wants to protect her from danger. Prospero has an interesting relationship with his daughter. Prospero talks and Miranda listens unwillingly. She does not pay attention and Prospero always seems to inform her. Dost Thou attend me? (1.2. 77). Prospero exploits Miranda in any way that he can. First of all, for 12 years†¦show more content†¦(1.2. 24) Wipe thou thine eyes; have comfort. (1.2.24) Under all his controlling tactics Prospero still loves his daughter unconditionally, and he sympathizes with her, wanting only the best for Miranda. Since Prospero is used to ordering his slaves around, it is only natural that he also manipulates Miranda with his orders. Lorrie Leininger describes Prospero as a God-like figure, controlling his subject through his magical powers. Prospero uses Miranda as sexual bait (151), yet he feels the need to protect her from evil. Prospero is concerned for the safety of Miranda. As he is talking to Caliban, the memory of the past come to his mind. †¦lodged thee In mine own cell till thou didst seek to violate The honor of my child. (1.2. 346) Her virginity is also important to him. When he gives permission to Ferdinand to marry Miranda, he still has some regulations. If thou dost break her virgin-knot before All sanctimonious ceremonies may With full and holy rite minist’red, No sweet aspersion shall the heavens let fall (4.1. 15-18) In other words, he is threatening Ferdinand of the acrimonious consequences if he has sex before the ceremony: a bad marriage. Leininger also notes that Prospero uses his magical powers to subjugate the spirit of Ariel (148). Prospero threatens Ariel that if he doesn’t obey him then he will put him back into an oak tree. Of course, poor Ariel still does his job from theShow MoreRelatedProsperos Manipulation In The Tempest Analysis1447 Words   |  6 Pagesmap is focusing on Prospero’s manipulation of the other characters on the island, and the differing effects on them, through the use of magic/power. The purpose of the manipulation was so that Prospero could act as the author of his own life; he wanted to pursue his vengeance against the betrayal done to him by Alonso, his brother, and other characters in the play. He is creating his own story with the help of Ariel (a magical spirit) as an extended effort of manipulation in order to appear the victimRead MoreThe Tempest by William Shakespeare1042 Words   |  4 Pagesfor power can drive actions. 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