Tempest...5.1.33-57 Analysis of a Passage Research Proposal

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The imagery of conflict between good and evil is carried further in the speech. For instance, in line 43 we have reference to the image of "mutinous winds" and to the image of " dread rattling thunder." All of these images contribute to the vision of a larger battle that rages between good and evil in the visible world and invisible world of magic and which influences and affects humanity. In this sense Shakespeare refers as well to the central Roman god Jove, who is the god of storms. (Act 5.Sc.1. 42-43)

In other words, these references are intended to imply that there is an underlying and larger battle that Prospero has been involved in worth the aid of his supernatural helpers that goes beyond purely personal elements. The power of Prospero's magic are is also suggested by the words "potent art." (Act 5.Sc.1. 50) This is amplified by the reference in the previous line to the potential of this magic to open graves and waken the dead.

Having stressed the immense power and possibility of his magic, Prospero then states in the last section of the speech that he intends to renounce or "adjure" his magical powers. One of the reasons for this decision could be seen in the word " rough " that he uses to describe his magic. This may imply that his powers are possibly imprecise and too destructive - in other words that they are instruments that are dangerous and should not be used lightly.

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Another reason for his decision is that Prospero realizes that although his knowledge is great and he has command of powerful magical forces, he is also aware of the potential for corruption and evil that exists in the human heart. Over this aspect he has no control. The realization of the propensity for evil in the human heart is perhaps a reason for the sense of sadness that pervades this much of the rest of the play.

Prospero therefore states that after he has concluded these events and corrected the imbalance in society he will "...break my staff" (Act 5.Sc.1. 50) in other words, he will break the instrument of magic. These images are emphatic in their conclusiveness. Not only will he break the staff of magic but he adds to this by saying that he will "Bury it certain fathoms in the earth" (Act 5.Sc.1. 55) Furthermore, he will take the book of magic and "drown" it in the deepest part of the sea where even sound cannot reach. One reason for this stress and emphasis is that it was the search for arcane and secret knowledge that caused Prospero to lose his kingdom in the first place.

In the final analysis a close reading of this speech reveals that there needs to be a balance in life and in nature and that any focus on one extreme creates negative and unhealthy situations that have to be rectified.….....

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