The Tempest: Act 1

            As we all know that Prospero is the protagonist of the play, The Tempest. He could use magic to control others; however, he used historical narratives to manipulate others through guilt. Prospero used this technique to either glorify himself or order others to carry his commands. For example, when Prospero was telling Miranda the story how and why they came to be on the island, he told Miranda that it was because that she “have [him], [her] schoolmaster, made [her] more profit than other princesses can that have more times for vainer hours and tutors not so careful”(26).  Prospero glorifies himself to Miranda, making him look like is a god himself. He wants Miranda to think that thanks to him, Miranda has the best education than others. Miranda would believe that her father was the most significant and declared her loyal to him. She would believe that her father is the only good person in the whole world compare to his brothers and enemies. Prospero even manipulate his own daughter. Furthermore, when Ariel asked for the freedom that Prospero promised him, Prospero reminded him that when Ariel was trapped under Sycorax’s trap spell, “it was [his] art, When [he] arrived and heard thee, that made gape The pine let [him] out” (36). Prospero brought back the past to gain control over Ariel again. He is manipulating Ariel’s feeling and thoughts. By reminding Ariel of his past, it made him felt guilty for asking and feeling that he still need to repay his debt to Prospero. He felt that he should have been lucky of been saving; therefore, it is his duty to follow Prospero’s commands. In addition, when Caliban told Prospero that the island was his and that Prospero stole it, Prospero relied back, “…[He] have used [him], filth as thou art, with human care, and lodged [him] in mine own cell till thou didst seek to violate the honor of [his] child”(42). Prospero reminded Caliban that it was not his fault because he did take good care of him before he tried to rape Miranda. It was Caliban’s own fault for doing so. He could have had a good life with them but he put this upon himself when he tempted. Prospero manipulated Caliban thinking that it was his fault and that he owes Prospero’s his servitude. He cannot blame anyone but himself for his misery. Caliban is also afraid of Prospero’s magic powers of having painful cramps. Prospero made himself seem like a savior of all of them, making them think that it was their fault.