Power Struggle in the Tempest

Control and Power in Shakespeare’s The Tempest

Control is regarded as a fundamental necessity and a coveted ideal in Shakespeare’s play The Tempest, with characters willing to go to any length to achieve it. Many of the characters try to create their own set of laws, with Prospero’s brother having to take authority over him as the first example. Individuals’ conscience is continually checked in order to expose a desire to enter villainy in order to gain influence. Prospero and Ferdinand, two main characters in the play, demonstrate how strength is coveted by their interactions with each other and other characters. Their relationship is an interesting revelation of how old power may attempt to succeed a new power. Ferdinand is first ruled by Prospero on his arrival to the island; however, as the play progresses, he gains the power as Prospero loses it. Throughout the play, the shift of power between the two reveal how power is not permanent, and could be lost easily.

Prospero’s Desire for Power

It is apparent at the beginning of the play that Prospero’s own motive is sustain a lot of power over others. He accounts for his daughter, Miranda, how his brother had stolen and usurped his own dukedom through a political fowl. He does this with the aim of sustaining his father-roles to Miranda who becomes trusting, respectful, and understanding. He tells Miranda to obey and listen carefully when he is about to narrate his power struggle story, “The hour’s now come; The very minute bids thee ope thine ear; Obey and be attentive. Canst thou remember A time before we came unto this cell?” (Shakespeare I.ii). He orders Miranda to be attentive so that no part of the story passes her. Shakespeare reveals the pattern of reassurance and doubt that Prospero shows in an attempt to fulfil his need for control and attention. His daughter, Miranda, fulfills this need by always being there to listen and offer emotional support.

Prospero’s Power over Ferdinand

Prospero’s power over Ferdinand can be observed when he manipulates him into marrying his daughter. Ferdinand is King Naples’ son, and has decided to submit his powers to Prospero. The first instance this is observable is when Ariel welcomes Ferdinand with a song, in which he praises his dead father, and claim a better future with Prospero. Ferdinand the states, “This music crept by me upon the waters, Allaying both their fury and my passion With its sweet air: thence I have follow’d it, Or it hath drawn me rather. But ’tis gone” (Shakespeare I.ii). Ferdinand easily gives his power away by admitting the strength of the song that had been played by Ariel. This is all Prospero’s doing; he knew such a song would make Ferdinand be under his control, and submit without debating.

Ferdinand’s Submission to Prospero

The power of Prospero to possess Ferdinand is further observed when he (Prospero) leads Ferdinand to his daughter, Miranda. His power is evident when Ferdinand falls for the plot in which the key plan is to let him give up his rights and become a slave. When he sees and hears Miranda speak, he gets astonished, wondering how such a beauty existed in the palace. He then tells her, “O, if a virgin, And your affection not gone forth, I’ll make you The queen of Naples” (Shakespeare I.ii). Falling in love and developing admiration to Miranda reveals his powerlessness over Prospero. Ferdinand’s powerlessness to Prospero becomes more apparent when he says, “One word more; I charge thee That thou attend me: thou dost here usurp The name thou owest not; and hast put thyself” (Shakespeare I.ii.456-458). Prospero orders Ferdinand to attend to him by accepting his commands; this is a sign of wanting power and control over Ferdinand.

Ferdinand as a Slave

Consequently, Ferdinand becomes a slave to Prospero in order to win over Miranda. When Prospero first hears about Ferdinand’s interest on his daughter, he refuses, but challenges him to prove himself of his worthiness. The main plan of Prospero is to have control over Ferdinand, which works as he admits to work and adhere to his orders. Prospero tells him, “Thou shalt be free As mountain winds: but then exactly do All points of my command” (I.ii). Ferdinand gives in to the commands that Prospero puts across. Further submission and ruling can be observed when Ferdinand admits to become the slave just to have Miranda. He tells her, “I had rather crack my sinews, break my back, Than you should such dishonor undergo While I sit lazy by” (III.i.26-28). He suggests that he is willing to work even more to ensure that Miranda does not toil even a little. This is also an evidence of his submission to Prospero.

Shift of Power from Prospero to Ferdinand

Power shift is later observed in the play when Ferdinand takes of Prospero’s power. Prospero initially manipulates him to give a better life to his daughter. However, in the end, he gives up his magic and remains powerless as Ferdinand gains all his powers. Prospero laments the final loss of his strength and power as a ruler. He states, “Now my charms are all o’erthrown, And what strength I have’s mine own, Which is most faint: now, ’tis true, I must be here confined by you” (Shakespeare Epilogue (1-4). Prospero ends up being powerless, and this seems to scare him as it might result in his untimely demise. Ferdinand, on the other hand, promises to marry Miranda, and with Prospero’s authority, he gains his power. Thus, as his powers increases, that of Prospero dwindles.

Ferdinand’s Authority

Ferdinand’s authority in the end becomes more apparent when he gets Miranda’s affection. She is more than willing to trust him over her own father. He promises her a better life in his father’s place. With the strong affection and passion she develops, she is willing to become his servant which is observed when she states, “I am your wife, if you will marry me; If not, I’ll die your maid: to be your fellow You may deny me; but I’ll be your servant, Whether you will or no” (Shakespeare III.ii.83-86). Miranda offers herself fully to Ferdinand which shows her obedience; it is the first time she becomes obedient to anyone other than the father. As such, it is evident that Ferdinand has gained power in the play.

Power Shift in The Tempest

In the play, Prospero is seen as the ultimate power in the island. He is able to control everyone including his daughter, Ariel, and Caliban. His powers are evident when he attempts to manipulate his daughter, and creates the witnessed shipwreck used by the sailors. In the end, Miranda falls in love with one of the sailors, Ferdinand who turns to be a prince. At first, Ferdinand lose all his powers to Prospero, a phenomenon that is evident throughout the play. In the end, however, Ferdinand gains powers on Island, and getting Miranda’s affection. Prospero later gives up his powers and magic willingly to Ferdinand. The shift of power between the two is an evidence that power is temporary.

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