This is not the first time that we have seen a shipwreck in Shakespeare’s plays this is the first time that we know the cause. We know that Prospero and his magic were the cause of the storm, “If by your art, my dearest father, you have /Put the wild water in this roar, ally them” (1.2.1-2). We also know that he doesn’t let the storm develop too much or allow anyone to get hurt, “No harm. / I have done nothing but in car of thee,…”(1.2.15). We soon learn the reasoning behind Prospero’s actions, revenge. Which I don’t blame him for wanting to get revenge, his own brother, Antonio dethroned him and had him and Miranda taken out of Milan. Depending on how you look at the situation you can view Prospero’s magic as good or bad. For example it is the reason that he is on the island , Antonio who managed the state had control and power over the people, he was winning them over while Prospero was studying , “I, thus neglecting worldly ends, all dedicated/ To closeness and the bettering of my mind” (1.2.89-90). His magic is what got him into trouble and landed him on the island in the first place but it is also helping him out of the island. You may look at his use of magic as manipulative, however isn’t all magic manipulative. He has Ariel make sure that Ferdinand sees Miranda first, so that things can work out according to plan; Ferdinand fall for Miranda and they could get married. Which I don’t blame him for wanting to get back at his brother and regain is power and authority to the throne.
On the island the rules are different than those of England, there is no hierarchy, they are removed from Europe and the politics of Europe. Yet every person on the island is plotting and devising ways to gain power and control. Stefano and Trinculo want to kill Prospero , they want to grab his books and burn them, and Stefano want to make Miranda his wife; “Monster, I will kill this man. His daughter and I will/ be king and queen –save out graces! –and Trinculo and thy-/ self shall be viceroys. Dost thou like the plot, Trinculo?” (3.2.101-103). We also know that Antonio and Sebastian want to kill Gonzolo so Sebastian can be king. Everyone on this island is after power, because they know that in Europe that is all that matters. Prospero has his magic as an advantage.
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It is interesting thinking of these Europeans in a place outside of Europe; they assume that their way of living will prevail no matter where they may be, but we obviously see they are mistaken. Prospero knows that he must adapt and does so; he uses the skills he has acquired over the years to do so and this is what allows him to prosper in a foreign place.
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