Themes, Motifs and Symbols in The Tempest

Themes

Power

Power dynamics are central to The Tempest, and struggles for power cause much of the conflict in the play. Prospero was banished to the Island by his brother, Antonio, who wanted his position as the Duke of Milan. Similarly, Prospero has taken control of the island, taking the power that Caliban believes rightfully belongs to him.

Prospero uses his magical powers to seek revenge on his brother and Alonso, declaring, “I will plague them all”. He orchestrates the storm that shipwrecks them on the Island and uses Ariel to inflict suffering and confusion upon the men. Prospero also exerts control over Ariel and Caliban, using cruel threats of violence to ensure their obedience.

The play includes two assassination plots as characters strive for more power. Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo plot to kill Prospero and claim the island. Meanwhile, Antonio and Sebastian conspire to murder Alonso, so that Sebastian can become the King of Naples. Thanks to Ariel’s interventions, both plots fail, but they illustrate how the lust for power can drive individuals to extreme and murderous lengths.

In the final scene, Prospero agrees to give up his magical powers. This liberates others from his control, causing much of the hatred and hostility to disappear. Shakespeare seems to suggest that society becomes more harmonious when people work together rather than striving for individual power and dominance.

Colonisation

The Tempest was written during the early stages of the British Empire, when Britain and other European countries colonised lands worldwide. This means that they took control of the land and resources from the indigenous (original) people living there, often by violent means.

Prospero’s arrival on the island very much mirrors this historical context. He has seized power through his magic, enslaving Caliban, the island’s original inhabitant, in the process. He treats Caliban as a lesser being, lamenting his “savagery”, and calling him a “poisonous slave”. In turn, Caliban resents his treatment by Prospero, saying: “A plague on the tyrant I serve”. Furthermore, Stephano and Trinculo dehumanise Caliban, considering him more of an animal than a person. They also consider making money off him as an exhibition piece.

Despite other characters’ perceptions of Caliban, Shakespeare portrays him as intelligent and articulate, particularly when he poetically describes the island’s beauty:

“full of noises,
Sounds, and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.”

After Caliban’s plot to overthrow Prospero fails, he must return to obeying the magician. This reflects the enduring and oppressive nature of colonialism and the powerlessness it imposes on those who are colonised.

Forgiveness

For much of the play, Prospero has no desire to forgive those who have wronged him. He punishes Caliban severely for his attempted assault on Miranda and general disobedience, confining him in a “hard rock” away from the rest of the island.

Similarly, Prospero initially seeks revenge rather than reconciliation with his brother and shipmates. He delights in their suffering caused by the storm

However, by the end of the play, Prospero learns to forgive those who have betrayed him. He tells Antonio:

“For you, most wicked sir, whom to call brother
Would even infect my mouth, I do forgive
Thy rankest fault”

This is certainly not a loving reconciliation, as he still calls his brother “most wicked”, but he decides not to pursue his revenge any further. It is suggested that Prosperp’s forgiveness will end the cycle of violence between the characters.

Symbols and Motifs

The Storm (Tempest)

Prospero’s conjured storm serves as both a weapon of revenge and a display of his formidable magical prowess. He uses it to cause suffering, such as Alonso’s pain over believing Ferdinand is dead. The storm also symbolises the irrelevance of human power against nature’s might, as articulated by the boatswain:

“What care these roarers for the name of king?”

Here, he has recognised the insignificance of their ship containing the King of Naples, they are just as likely to be killed by the storm as anyone else. Therefore, the storm breaks apart any sense of power, leaving Antonio and Alonso vulnerable to danger – and Prospero’s revenge.

Magic

Prospero’s rule over the island and his revenge against his brother depend on his use of magic. He draws the men to the island and reclaims his title as Duke of Milan through magical means.

However, his magic is often manifested as cruelty rather than good, particularly in the threats of physical torture he uses to control Ariel and Caliban. This misuse of his magical power makes Prospero initially an unsympathetic character to the audience. Symbolically, Prospero decides to give up his magic at the end of the play. Only by relinquishing this power can true harmony be achieved between him and the other characters.

The Game of Chess

The chess game between Ferdinand and Miranda represents the strategic manipulations throughout the play. Prospero, like a player controlling the board, manipulates events and people. He controls Miranda and Ferdinand’s relationship, only allowing them to be together once he approves. Similarly, he determines the fates of those who have betrayed him.

By giving up his magic, Prospero can no longer control others like chess pieces. Instead, he embraces the chance and surprise that comes with life.