Destiny and Inner Power in "The Tempest" by W. Shakespeare

Claps of thunder and flashes of lightning illuminate a swelling ocean, while a ship succumbs to the force of the waves. This is not just an ordinary storm, but a fierce and vengeful tempest, setting the stage for Shakespeare's most mysterious play. As the skies clear, we are transported into a world that may seem distant from our own, yet is filled with relatable concerns about freedom, power, and control.

"The Tempest" takes place on a deserted island, exposed to the elements and governed by the magic and authority of Prospero, the banished Duke of Milan. Betrayed by his own brother, Antonio, Prospero has been stranded on the island for twelve years with his daughter Miranda and his cherished books. During this time, he has mastered the island's magic and utilizes it to command its elemental spirits. He also rules over the island's sole inhabitant, the scorned and demonized Caliban. However, after years of plotting his revenge, Prospero's adversary is finally within reach. With the assistance of the ethereal sprite Ariel, the sorcerer destroys his brother's ship and brings its sailors ashore. Prospero's scheming even extends to his daughter's love life, as he plans for her to fall in love with the stranded prince Ferdinand.

Meanwhile, as Prospero and Ariel close in on Antonio, Caliban joins forces with some inebriated sailors who devise a comical plan to seize control of the island. The play exposes society's most primal desires, with each faction relentlessly pursuing power over the land, other individuals, or their own destinies. Yet, Shakespeare understands that power is always elusive. As he unveils the dark histories of these characters, we begin to question if this vicious cycle will ever come to an end. Although Prospero was wronged by Antonio, he himself has inflicted his own abuses upon the island, monopolizing its magical properties and natural resources for his own gain. Caliban, in particular, resents this takeover. As the son of Sycorax, a witch who once ruled the island, he initially aided the exiles in finding their footing. However, he has since become their slave and now rages with bitter remorse, proclaiming, "And then I loved thee,/ And s.

Betrayed by his own brother, Antonio, Prospero finds himself abandoned on the island for a period of twelve years. During this time, he has become well-versed in the island's magic and has learned to control its elemental spirits. Prospero also reigns over the island's sole inhabitant, the dejected and demonized Caliban. However, after years of plotting his revenge, Prospero's enemy is finally within his grasp. With the assistance of the ethereal sprite Ariel, the magician manages to destroy his brother's ship and wash its crew ashore. Prospero's scheming even extends to his daughter's romantic life, as he plans for her to fall in love with the stranded prince, Ferdinand. Meanwhile, as Prospero and Ariel draw closer to Antonio, Caliban joins forces with a group of drunken sailors who devise a comedic plan to seize control of the island.

The play exposes the rawest desires of society, with each faction relentlessly pursuing power over the land, other individuals, and their own destinies.

Shakespeare, being aware of the ever-changing nature of power, portrays characters with dark histories, making us question if this cycle of violence will ever cease. Despite being wronged by Antonio, Prospero himself has committed abuses on the island, monopolizing its magical properties and resources.

Caliban, particularly, resents this takeover. As the son of Sycorax, the previous ruler of the island, he initially assisted the exiles but has now become their slave, expressing his regret and anger. Caliban's thunderous language serves as a constant reminder to Prospero of the island's true ownership. However, Sycorax also mistreated the island and imprisoned Ariel until Prospero set him free. While Ariel seeks to repay his debt and gain freedom, Caliban remains enslaved as long as Prospero remains in power.

The Tempest is often interpreted as an exploration of colonialism, raising questions about agency and justice. Is Caliban the rightful master of the land? Will Ariel ever be free? And is Prospero truly the all-powerful overseer, or is there a deeper magic at play that surpasses any individual's control?

Throughout the play, Ariel consistently reminds Prospero of the freedom that is owed to him. However, there remains a lingering question of whether the invader will be able to let go of his control. The question of relinquishing one's reign holds particular significance considering that The Tempest is believed to be Shakespeare's final play.

In many ways, Prospero's actions mirror those of the great entertainer himself, who devised intricate plots, manipulated those around him, and enchanted both characters and audience alike. Yet, at the culmination of his grand display of power and authority, Prospero's final lines reveal his humility in the face of his audience - and the power they possess over his creations. "With the assistance of your kind applause, the gentle breeze of your approval must fill my sails, or else my endeavor fails, which was to please." This brings to mind Shakespeare's own role as the great entertainer who ultimately surrenders himself to our applause.