The tempest grade 9 character analysis
Prospero:
1. Quote: “This rough magic / I here abjure” (Act 5, Scene 1)
Point: Prospero’s renunciation of magic symbolizes his decision to
embrace humanity over supernatural power, reflecting his internal
transformation.
Evidence: The word "abjure" suggests a complete and final rejection of
his art, emphasizing his serious intention to step away from control and
dominance.
Analysis 1: Shakespeare uses "rough" to characterize Prospero’s magic
as something crude or unnatural. This word choice aligns with the broader
theme of power and manipulation in the play.
Analysis 2: The use of enjambment in "I here abjure" creates a sense of
finality, making his renunciation seem both immediate and irrevocable.
Analysis 3: By abandoning his magical prowess, Prospero returns to a
state of vulnerability, highlighting the human need for reconciliation and
forgiveness.
Context: This occurs at the end of the play when Prospero’s character arc
culminates in the relinquishing of his vengeful tendencies, choosing
instead to forgive his enemies.
Effect on Reader: The reader is left contemplating the limits of power
and the inevitability of mortality, reinforcing the theme of humility.
Writer’s Intentions: Shakespeare might be suggesting that true power
lies not in dominance but in the ability to forgive and let go, thereby
completing the play’s moral and emotional journey.
2. Quote: “The rarer action is / In virtue than in vengeance” (Act 5,
Scene 1)
Point: Prospero’s acknowledgment that mercy is more noble than revenge
signals a shift in his moral compass, underlining the play’s thematic
exploration of justice versus mercy.
Evidence: The contrast between "virtue" and "vengeance" frames the
decision as a moral dichotomy, with "virtue" elevated as the rarer, hence
more valuable, action.
Analysis 1: Shakespeare’s use of comparative adjectives such as "rarer"
positions forgiveness as exceptional, drawing attention to its difficulty and
strength.
Analysis 2: The syntax places "virtue" before "vengeance" in the line,
symbolizing its newfound priority in Prospero’s life.
, Analysis 3: The phrase serves as a self-reflection for Prospero, indicating
his growing awareness of the ethical implications of his actions throughout
the play.
Context: This occurs during Prospero’s decision to forgive his enemies,
marking a turning point in the resolution of the play’s conflicts.
Effect on Reader: The reader is encouraged to reconsider the idea of
justice, viewing mercy as a more enlightened path than the pursuit of
retribution.
Writer’s Intentions: Shakespeare may be urging the audience to reflect
on the nature of power, suggesting that a ruler’s true greatness is
demonstrated through compassion rather than coercion.
3. Quote: “My high charms work, / And these, mine enemies, are all knit
up / In their distractions” (Act 3, Scene 3).
Point: Prospero’s delight in controlling his enemies shows his
manipulative nature and his reliance on magic to orchestrate events.
Evidence: The phrase “high charms” highlights Prospero’s reliance on
powerful, otherworldly forces, while "knit up" conveys the entrapment of
his enemies.
Analysis 1: Shakespeare’s use of possessive language like “mine
enemies” and “my high charms” reveals Prospero’s sense of ownership
over both his magic and the fates of others.
Analysis 2: The metaphor “knit up” suggests a binding or entangling of
his enemies’ minds, emphasizing the psychological nature of their
punishment.
Analysis 3: The phrase "in their distractions" underscores the confusion
and torment inflicted upon his adversaries, showing how Prospero
manipulates both their physical and mental states.
Context: At this point, Prospero has successfully used his magic to bring
his enemies to a state of helplessness, reinforcing his control over the
island.
Effect on Reader: The reader sees Prospero as both powerful and
potentially tyrannical, raising questions about the ethical use of his magic.
Writer’s Intentions: Shakespeare might be exploring the darker side of
power, illustrating how Prospero’s control over others could easily slip into
cruelty if unchecked by morality.
4. Quote: “Thou shalt have cramps, / Side-stitches that shall pen thy
breath up” (Act 1, Scene 2)
Point: Prospero’s threat to Caliban exemplifies his authoritarian control
and the darker side of his character, exposing the play’s tension between
colonizer and colonized.
, Evidence: The violent imagery of “cramps” and “side-stitches” creates a
physical sense of pain, demonstrating Prospero’s readiness to use magic
for coercion.
Analysis 1: Shakespeare employs visceral, bodily imagery to depict
Prospero’s punishment, emphasizing the tangible consequences of
disobedience under his rule.
Analysis 2: The verbs “pen” and “breath up” suggest entrapment, linking
this physical threat to the broader theme of imprisonment and control
throughout the play.
Analysis 3: This scene reflects the unequal power dynamic between
Prospero and Caliban, framing Prospero as the domineering colonizer who
asserts his dominance through violence and fear.
Context: This interaction takes place early in the play when Prospero is
establishing his authority over Caliban, who resents his subjugation.
Effect on Reader: The reader may feel conflicted, recognizing Prospero’s
role as both a sympathetic protagonist and a potentially oppressive figure.
Writer’s Intentions: Shakespeare likely intends to highlight the
complexity of Prospero’s character, allowing audiences to question
whether his actions are justified or tyrannical.
5. Quote: “I have done nothing but in care of thee” (Act 1, Scene 2)
Point: Prospero’s claim to Miranda reflects his paternal authority,
portraying him as a protector, yet his manipulative tendencies complicate
this fatherly role.
Evidence: The phrase “nothing but in care of thee” presents Prospero as a
selfless figure whose actions are guided by concern for his daughter.
Analysis 1: The absoluteness of “nothing but” reveals Prospero’s need to
justify his actions, hinting at a deeper insecurity or guilt beneath his
paternal facade.
Analysis 2: Shakespeare’s use of paternal language aligns Prospero with
benevolent authority, but the underlying irony points to his controlling
behavior throughout the play.
Analysis 3: The word “care” becomes ambiguous, as it can be interpreted
as genuine love or as an excuse for his authoritarian control over her fate
and future.
Context: This occurs when Prospero is explaining to Miranda why he
orchestrated their exile, framing himself as a protector and benefactor.
Effect on Reader: The reader is invited to question the nature of
Prospero’s care, weighing his protective instincts against his controlling
behavior.
Writer’s Intentions: Shakespeare might be exploring the complexities of
paternal authority, especially the fine line between care and control.
, 6. Quote: “I’ll drown my book” (Act 5, Scene 1)
Point: Prospero’s promise to destroy his magical book symbolizes his
rejection of supernatural control, representing a shift from manipulation to
reconciliation.
Evidence: The phrase “drown my book” suggests a deliberate and
irreversible act, with “drown” implying both finality and the cleansing
effect of water.
Analysis 1: Shakespeare’s use of the verb “drown” carries connotations of
cleansing, death, and rebirth, reflecting Prospero’s symbolic shedding of
his past identity as a manipulative sorcerer.
Analysis 2: The book itself is a metaphor for power, knowledge, and
control. Destroying it marks Prospero’s conscious decision to abandon
these in favor of human relationships.
Analysis 3: The phrase connects to the broader theme of renunciation
and forgiveness, suggesting that Prospero’s transformation is as much
internal as it is external.
Context: This follows Prospero’s decision to forgive his enemies and
reconcile with those who wronged him, marking the climax of his
character development.
Effect on Reader: The reader is invited to reflect on the human need to
let go of past grievances in order to move forward, finding peace in
humility.
Writer’s Intentions: Shakespeare likely uses this moment to illustrate
the futility of seeking absolute control, suggesting that true wisdom lies in
relinquishing power and embracing vulnerability.
7. Quote: “My brother, and thy uncle, call'd Antonio— / I pray thee mark
me” (Act 1, Scene 2)
Point: Prospero’s recounting of Antonio’s betrayal reveals his obsession
with the past, suggesting that his quest for revenge is fueled by
unresolved personal grievances.
Evidence: The direct address “I pray thee mark me” underscores
Prospero’s need for attention, indicating the importance he places on
narrating his own victimhood.
Analysis 1: The structure of the sentence places Antonio’s name in the
middle of the clause, highlighting the centrality of his betrayal in
Prospero’s mind.
Analysis 2: The repetition of familial terms like “brother” and “uncle”
serves to emphasize the personal nature of the betrayal, heightening the
emotional impact on Prospero.
Analysis 3: Prospero’s plea for Miranda to “mark” his words reflects his
desire to shape her understanding of events, underscoring his role as a
manipulator of both narrative and people.
Prospero:
1. Quote: “This rough magic / I here abjure” (Act 5, Scene 1)
Point: Prospero’s renunciation of magic symbolizes his decision to
embrace humanity over supernatural power, reflecting his internal
transformation.
Evidence: The word "abjure" suggests a complete and final rejection of
his art, emphasizing his serious intention to step away from control and
dominance.
Analysis 1: Shakespeare uses "rough" to characterize Prospero’s magic
as something crude or unnatural. This word choice aligns with the broader
theme of power and manipulation in the play.
Analysis 2: The use of enjambment in "I here abjure" creates a sense of
finality, making his renunciation seem both immediate and irrevocable.
Analysis 3: By abandoning his magical prowess, Prospero returns to a
state of vulnerability, highlighting the human need for reconciliation and
forgiveness.
Context: This occurs at the end of the play when Prospero’s character arc
culminates in the relinquishing of his vengeful tendencies, choosing
instead to forgive his enemies.
Effect on Reader: The reader is left contemplating the limits of power
and the inevitability of mortality, reinforcing the theme of humility.
Writer’s Intentions: Shakespeare might be suggesting that true power
lies not in dominance but in the ability to forgive and let go, thereby
completing the play’s moral and emotional journey.
2. Quote: “The rarer action is / In virtue than in vengeance” (Act 5,
Scene 1)
Point: Prospero’s acknowledgment that mercy is more noble than revenge
signals a shift in his moral compass, underlining the play’s thematic
exploration of justice versus mercy.
Evidence: The contrast between "virtue" and "vengeance" frames the
decision as a moral dichotomy, with "virtue" elevated as the rarer, hence
more valuable, action.
Analysis 1: Shakespeare’s use of comparative adjectives such as "rarer"
positions forgiveness as exceptional, drawing attention to its difficulty and
strength.
Analysis 2: The syntax places "virtue" before "vengeance" in the line,
symbolizing its newfound priority in Prospero’s life.
, Analysis 3: The phrase serves as a self-reflection for Prospero, indicating
his growing awareness of the ethical implications of his actions throughout
the play.
Context: This occurs during Prospero’s decision to forgive his enemies,
marking a turning point in the resolution of the play’s conflicts.
Effect on Reader: The reader is encouraged to reconsider the idea of
justice, viewing mercy as a more enlightened path than the pursuit of
retribution.
Writer’s Intentions: Shakespeare may be urging the audience to reflect
on the nature of power, suggesting that a ruler’s true greatness is
demonstrated through compassion rather than coercion.
3. Quote: “My high charms work, / And these, mine enemies, are all knit
up / In their distractions” (Act 3, Scene 3).
Point: Prospero’s delight in controlling his enemies shows his
manipulative nature and his reliance on magic to orchestrate events.
Evidence: The phrase “high charms” highlights Prospero’s reliance on
powerful, otherworldly forces, while "knit up" conveys the entrapment of
his enemies.
Analysis 1: Shakespeare’s use of possessive language like “mine
enemies” and “my high charms” reveals Prospero’s sense of ownership
over both his magic and the fates of others.
Analysis 2: The metaphor “knit up” suggests a binding or entangling of
his enemies’ minds, emphasizing the psychological nature of their
punishment.
Analysis 3: The phrase "in their distractions" underscores the confusion
and torment inflicted upon his adversaries, showing how Prospero
manipulates both their physical and mental states.
Context: At this point, Prospero has successfully used his magic to bring
his enemies to a state of helplessness, reinforcing his control over the
island.
Effect on Reader: The reader sees Prospero as both powerful and
potentially tyrannical, raising questions about the ethical use of his magic.
Writer’s Intentions: Shakespeare might be exploring the darker side of
power, illustrating how Prospero’s control over others could easily slip into
cruelty if unchecked by morality.
4. Quote: “Thou shalt have cramps, / Side-stitches that shall pen thy
breath up” (Act 1, Scene 2)
Point: Prospero’s threat to Caliban exemplifies his authoritarian control
and the darker side of his character, exposing the play’s tension between
colonizer and colonized.
, Evidence: The violent imagery of “cramps” and “side-stitches” creates a
physical sense of pain, demonstrating Prospero’s readiness to use magic
for coercion.
Analysis 1: Shakespeare employs visceral, bodily imagery to depict
Prospero’s punishment, emphasizing the tangible consequences of
disobedience under his rule.
Analysis 2: The verbs “pen” and “breath up” suggest entrapment, linking
this physical threat to the broader theme of imprisonment and control
throughout the play.
Analysis 3: This scene reflects the unequal power dynamic between
Prospero and Caliban, framing Prospero as the domineering colonizer who
asserts his dominance through violence and fear.
Context: This interaction takes place early in the play when Prospero is
establishing his authority over Caliban, who resents his subjugation.
Effect on Reader: The reader may feel conflicted, recognizing Prospero’s
role as both a sympathetic protagonist and a potentially oppressive figure.
Writer’s Intentions: Shakespeare likely intends to highlight the
complexity of Prospero’s character, allowing audiences to question
whether his actions are justified or tyrannical.
5. Quote: “I have done nothing but in care of thee” (Act 1, Scene 2)
Point: Prospero’s claim to Miranda reflects his paternal authority,
portraying him as a protector, yet his manipulative tendencies complicate
this fatherly role.
Evidence: The phrase “nothing but in care of thee” presents Prospero as a
selfless figure whose actions are guided by concern for his daughter.
Analysis 1: The absoluteness of “nothing but” reveals Prospero’s need to
justify his actions, hinting at a deeper insecurity or guilt beneath his
paternal facade.
Analysis 2: Shakespeare’s use of paternal language aligns Prospero with
benevolent authority, but the underlying irony points to his controlling
behavior throughout the play.
Analysis 3: The word “care” becomes ambiguous, as it can be interpreted
as genuine love or as an excuse for his authoritarian control over her fate
and future.
Context: This occurs when Prospero is explaining to Miranda why he
orchestrated their exile, framing himself as a protector and benefactor.
Effect on Reader: The reader is invited to question the nature of
Prospero’s care, weighing his protective instincts against his controlling
behavior.
Writer’s Intentions: Shakespeare might be exploring the complexities of
paternal authority, especially the fine line between care and control.
, 6. Quote: “I’ll drown my book” (Act 5, Scene 1)
Point: Prospero’s promise to destroy his magical book symbolizes his
rejection of supernatural control, representing a shift from manipulation to
reconciliation.
Evidence: The phrase “drown my book” suggests a deliberate and
irreversible act, with “drown” implying both finality and the cleansing
effect of water.
Analysis 1: Shakespeare’s use of the verb “drown” carries connotations of
cleansing, death, and rebirth, reflecting Prospero’s symbolic shedding of
his past identity as a manipulative sorcerer.
Analysis 2: The book itself is a metaphor for power, knowledge, and
control. Destroying it marks Prospero’s conscious decision to abandon
these in favor of human relationships.
Analysis 3: The phrase connects to the broader theme of renunciation
and forgiveness, suggesting that Prospero’s transformation is as much
internal as it is external.
Context: This follows Prospero’s decision to forgive his enemies and
reconcile with those who wronged him, marking the climax of his
character development.
Effect on Reader: The reader is invited to reflect on the human need to
let go of past grievances in order to move forward, finding peace in
humility.
Writer’s Intentions: Shakespeare likely uses this moment to illustrate
the futility of seeking absolute control, suggesting that true wisdom lies in
relinquishing power and embracing vulnerability.
7. Quote: “My brother, and thy uncle, call'd Antonio— / I pray thee mark
me” (Act 1, Scene 2)
Point: Prospero’s recounting of Antonio’s betrayal reveals his obsession
with the past, suggesting that his quest for revenge is fueled by
unresolved personal grievances.
Evidence: The direct address “I pray thee mark me” underscores
Prospero’s need for attention, indicating the importance he places on
narrating his own victimhood.
Analysis 1: The structure of the sentence places Antonio’s name in the
middle of the clause, highlighting the centrality of his betrayal in
Prospero’s mind.
Analysis 2: The repetition of familial terms like “brother” and “uncle”
serves to emphasize the personal nature of the betrayal, heightening the
emotional impact on Prospero.
Analysis 3: Prospero’s plea for Miranda to “mark” his words reflects his
desire to shape her understanding of events, underscoring his role as a
manipulator of both narrative and people.
