One of his biggest victim is his own daughter Miranda he is able to get her to see things his way by telling her "everything [he's] done has been for [her]" (Shakespeare Act 1 Scene 2). Because she is naive she accepts his statement without questioning his morals. The trust she has for him gives him the upper hand to manipulate her even more. When telling her about how they came about on the island he stops every once in awhile to see if she is paying attention. By doing this he catches her off guard into finding the real meaning of why he has brought his enemies to the island. However; with his servants like Ariel his spirit helper he uses the fact that he gave him his freedom and stopped the "torture [he] freed [Ariel] from. Even though Ariel has "never lied... or made mistakes, and never grumbled" (Act 1 Scene 2 pg 11) Prospero exaggerates the story even more so he thinks that he owes it to him to be there and help him. Because of this he is consider the "master" which gives him the authority to further his dictatorship. Through his harsh words and power not only his Ariel the only one who is afraid of him but as will as Caliban his other servant the son of the which. Caliban believes that this island is his and that Prospero "took it form [him]... (Act 1 Scene 2 pg 16)." However; the two use to have a loving relationship Prospero use to " petted [him] and took care of [him], but in return Caliban showed Prospero "features of the island, the freshwater springs, the saltwater pits, the barren places and the fertile ones." (Act 1 Scene 2 pg 16). At the time Caliban did not think anything of this, but as time went by he soon figured out that Propero was taking over his island. The love and kindness shown was Prospero way of manipulating a young Caliban into thinking nothing was going to happen to him; however, now Caliban fears the man for he is now harsh and threatens to use harm and magic to get Caliban to do what he wants " I have to obey. He’s got such strong magic powers that he could conquer and enslave the god... (Act 1 Scene 2 pg 17)."
Through his words and magic not only do those around him fear him but see him as a higher authority. Just like 1984 how the government uses slogans to get the people of Oceania to see things their way, Prospero exaggerates stories to get his daughter and servant to see things his way as well. All in all through just like 1984, Prospero also uses manipulation to get what he wants and get things done. He is able to create fear which makes him able to control their emotions and control them altogether. Even though to some he is consider as the dictator, he is also seen as a hero who goes out of his way to help others.
Sherry!
ReplyDeleteOMG! Are you planning to write me an essay? I enjoyed your AWESOME response, though it seems like a very long response and it is! AHA! You covered everything very well including what we were suppose to talk about. You used a lot of important quotes and analyzed them well. I really like how you used your time to go back in the text and re-read it and then quoted your quotes on this blog. It must have taken a lot of time. It also shows that you took your time in writing all this. You have obviously reached the limit of 300 words, actually, you went BEYOND that! GO SHERRY!
i thought it was intertesing how you said " he is also seen as a hero who goes out of his way to help others." According to Nou, she said, "Prospero as a greedy person. Someone who is selfish and wants things done ONLY his way. I think he would do whatever it takes to make him king." But anyhow, i just thought it was intertesing! So, great job and keep up the AWESOME work girly!