New Paltz Shakespeare

In Act V of The Tempest it just goes to show us how smooth Prospero really thinks he is. He has had control of all the people on this Island for so long. Now that the people are starting to question what is going on, he is trying to turn the truth around. He used his magical powers for nothing good and is going to use them one last time and then throw his book of magic deep into the sea. Ariel who has been nothing but his little pet throughout the entire play is hoping to be set free after Prospero's last request, but we know that this isn't his last request for Ariel. When Ariel brings in Alonso, Gonzalo, Sebastian and Antonio they have all been charmed and are willing to stand in the circle. Prospero takes special notice to Gonzaro and thanks him for his loyalty. Everyone he has come in contact are very confused as to what is happening and what has been happening. Ariel once again is set to do more work for Prospero, buy getting his clothes from his cell which he wore when he was the Duke of Milian. Once Prospero has released Alonso and everyone from the spell that they were just under, Alonso then notices that Ferdinand is missing and this is where the slick Prospero throws in that he too is missing a child, his daughter Miranda because of the tempest. But them Prospero pulls back a curtain and shows Alonso that Ferdinand and Miranda are behind it playing chess. Doesn't that just seem like a coincidence. To me it seems he is still using his magic even though Prospero says he is done with all of that and willing to throw his magic into the sea . It's like the appearance of both Ferdinand and Miranda are a magical reappearing act. Even though the people have been released from their spells, Prospero is still having them do things for him. He tells Ariel to get Caliban, Trinculo and Stephano to return to the cell and give back the clothing they have stole and to clean the cell up. Prospero has taken a different approach to the way he treats people in Act V. Prospero seems kinder and like he has a heart but, it still very persuasive to get what he wants. He offers to Alonso that him and his company can spend the night and to pass time he will tell them the story of the past twelve years. He then tells them that in the morning they will be headed off to Naples where Ferdinand and Miranda will marry. When Prospero gets back to Milan he will spend the rest of the time contemplating his life. Prospero knows Ariel wants to be freed before everyone leaves so his last request is to make sure when they travel back home the seas are calm and that they travel so fast they can catch up with the royal navy. I don't foresee Arial being freed anytime soon. I found the epilogue in Act V to be very interesting. As I was reading it, it didn't even seem like Prospero. At this point he seems like a changed person and is asking for forgiveness and is wanting a chance to be freed. I also found it interesting how important the applause is that he gets from the crowd. The more applause's he gets the wind from that will cause his ship to sail. At this point the only power he has is his own, which he says is very weak. He also does a great job in guilting his audience in feeling bad for him saying they have the choice weather or not he stays imprisoned there. I found The Tempest to be one of the most interesting plays I have read from Shakespeare. For me this play is in a completely different category from the others we have read this semester. I think I found the magic to be the most interesting. Also the idea of trying to replicate an entire old way of life into the new word was quite interesting to read. Shakespeare does a great job at taking a real life story and making it into his own rather then coming from other plays and stories.