Please respond to the following. Your posting doesn't have to be bullet points on each question, but rather in two short paragraphs in which you cover each of the two issues in a brief but summative way. Think about 75-100 words for each paragraph (not 500!).
1. Why does Prospero decide to give up magic? What does his choice show about what he thinks happened in the past? How does he plan to live in the future?
2. What has Prospero learned? Has he changed in any fundamental way or had the change already occurred before the beginning of the action?
1. Why does Prospero decide to give up magic? What does his choice show about what he thinks happened in the past? How does he plan to live in the future?
ReplyDeleteProspero decides to give up magic because he is about to return to the world of civilization. Just like the audience is about to leave the “magical” playhouse and return to their daily lives, Prospero’s decision to give up magic mirrors the ending of the “magical” play and return to the land of normalcy, as well as the in-universe explanation of his “letting go” of the past, forgiving both Alonso and to a smaller extent Antonio. He wants to put the past behind him and return to Milan, where he will attend the wedding of Miranda and Ferdinand, and then prepare for his death.
2. What has Prospero learned? Has he changed in any fundamental way or had the change already occurred before the beginning of the action?
Prospero seems to have become more understanding at the end of the play then at the beginning. The previous four hours have had a profound impact upon him, from seeing his daughter, “a third of [his] own life” fall in love, to and seeing the ones who betrayed him for he first time in a dozen years. These events prompted massive swings in mood, from the vindictive, angry, man to the kind father. Before the ship passed by, he was more distant. Although he clearly cared of his daughter, he was always thinking other thoughts when he was paying attention to her. Be they about his revenge or his magic or something else, his mental wheels were always spinning. But after the events during the play, his emotions are uprooted and thrown about, eventually landing in such a way that he becomes a kinder man.
do you think that this could also apply to Prospero rediscovering power?
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete1. Prospero decides to give up magic because he believes his "rough magic" only used the spirits of nature and were just mere tricks. His choice shows that in the past he thought that his former magic only brought harm to himself, for his obsession with it lead him to lose his role as Duke of Milan. Perhaps he's thinking that he needs to be more controlled with his actions now, instead of always acting out of spite. In the future, he plans to return to Milan, and see Miranda and Ferdinand wed before he dies.
ReplyDelete2. Prospero has learned that the greatest of all virtues is acheived by the man who forgives instead of seeks revenge. I believe he learned this as soon as he saw his enemies truly suffering with madness and grief. Compassion and forgiveness was rekindled in him, and he realized that it was time to give up making everyone miserable and just forgive and forget. This lead to him to release his prisoners and has overall made him a more understanding man
1. Prospero decides to give up his magic because he doesn’t need it anymore. When his life was taken from him and he was left with nothing, he turned to magic to manipulate his circumstances and make things how he wanted them. Since he got his position as duke back, he is going to return to his old life and have the control he so desperately sought through magic at his command. Miranda plans to marry Ferdinand, so Prospero can no longer control her and that is another reason he gave up magic. It also makes sense to assume that Prospero wants to give up the very thing that lead to the usurpation of his kingdom.
ReplyDelete2. Prospero felt helpless in the past and he needed an outlet to change the course of his destroyed life at the time. He had so much resentment towards the men who sent him away, and at the end of the play he showed a glimpse of forgiveness, or at least the willingness to put the past events behind them. His change of heart occurs more towards the end because at the beginning he was a vengeful man desperate to regain his title, who seemed to forget about what was truly important in life. This change is certainly for the better because he becomes a better father to Miranda, and also finds the happiness he has been looking for. Prospero’s changes occur because he comes to terms with what has happened and is ready to return to his old life. He is satisfied with the way everything is playing out and he becomes a better person because of it.
-Morgan
1. Prospero gives up his magic when he feels bad for the people he is keeping captive and realizes that he has finished raising his daughter and has kept her safe. He thinks the past should be forgiven and he thinks it is unimportant now because in the future he plans to make sure his daughter is settled and then travel to a place where he can contemplate his death. Prospero has learned about forgiveness and kindness and he changes in a way that he is no longer revenge seeking and cruel but he is merciful and wants to set everyone free. This happened before he gave up his magic because it is the reason that he did.
ReplyDelete-Connolly
1. Prospero decides to give up magic because he feels that it hasn’t helped him in his life, but has in fact, made his life worse. It was the reason he had been so distracted as Duke of Milan and had been left by Antonio as dead. This decision shows that he wishes the past had been different but that he plans to spend the rest of his life in the moment and spend his time on the things that matter, such as friendship and love. He hopes to not be distracted and to abandon a thing that only brought hurt to himself and those around him.
ReplyDelete2. Prospero is very different from the way he was previously when he saw his magic as the most important thing in his life – something that could and would save his life again and again – when really it was the thing that destroyed his life. He has learned to be more focused. Even on the island, his magic had proved to be a great distraction. For example, the pageant that Prospero created for Miranda and Ferdinand caused him to forget about an attempt on his life that was to happen imminently, a parallel to what happened when he was the Duke of Milan. In the end, Prospero has come full-circle, going back to the time in his life when he didn’t have magic.
1. Prospero decides to give up magic because he feels that it hasn’t helped him in his life, but has in fact, made his life worse. It was the reason he had been so distracted as Duke of Milan and had been left by Antonio as dead. This decision shows that he wishes the past had been different but that he plans to spend the rest of his life in the moment and spend his time on the things that matter, such as friendship and love. He hopes to not be distracted and to abandon a thing that only brought hurt to himself and those around him.
ReplyDelete2. Prospero is very different from the way he was previously when he saw his magic as the most important thing in his life – something that could and would save his life again and again – when really it was the thing that destroyed his life. He has learned to be more focused. Even on the island, his magic had proved to be a great distraction. For example, the pageant that Prospero created for Miranda and Ferdinand caused him to forget about an attempt on his life that was to happen imminently, a parallel to what happened when he was the Duke of Milan. In the end, Prospero has come full-circle, going back to the time in his life when he didn’t have magic.
1. Prospero gives up magic for a couple reasons. Magic was Prospero's power and his weakness. With magic Prospero could do anything, but with magic Prospero was vulnerable. In the past Prospero was overthrown when he was doing magic, and could've been overthrown again if he hadn't remember Caliban's plot against him. Prospero also didn't need to use magic anymore because he had accomplished what he worked for, dukedom. It is unknown why Prospero had gave up such a power, such a weakness, we can only tell by his past story and the emotions he feel, and the words he say when he gives it up.
ReplyDelete2. Prospero had learned the virtue of forgiveness. I think giving up magic had helped him forgive his enemies. If he still had the power of magic, maybe he could use it against his enemies when brought to him. Ariel had also mentioned to Prospero that Alonso, Sebastian, and Antonio were mad with fear and Gonzalo was filled with tears. Maybe hearing this Prospero had softened and immediately was kinder to them. Overall Prospero had turned into a more understanding, forgiving, and much kinder man.
1. At the end of this play, Prospero makes a huge life decision that is very telling of how the prior events of the play have had an impact on him. He gives up magic. In my opinion, he does this because he becomes enlightened about who magic has really made him become- a senseless, angry human being. Magic has consumed him entirely and he has built up a huge dependence on it. He also knows that if he really wants to return to day-to-day life as the king of Milan, he has to give up magic, it's not a choice. In Act 5, he comes to the sudden realization that magic has stripped him of everything he once cared about; love, happiness. He is left with nothing but magic, and what is that really worth besides power? Prospero realizes power really ISN'T what he wants, easily the single most most profound realization in the play. He knows that in order to live a pure life giving up magic is what he has to sacrifice, and he is ready to make that sacrifice.
ReplyDelete2. Prospero has learned so much, and I believe he is one of the most complex characters I've ever encountered. Before, everything he did came from a place of deep, deep pain. He was hurt. But seeing all the pain he was inflicting on others (Alonso, Gonzolo, Antonio, etc.) didn't make him feel any better. In essence, he knew he was just doing the same thing Antonio had once done to him. Prospero is sick of being so angry and harboring so much appetite for vengeance, all he wants is to be happy. Forgiving "the Royals" along with giving up magic are just the first steps he is taking to become this new self. Seeing Miranda and Ferdinand's love for each other, rooted from a genuine and euphoric place, showed Prospero that without magic he can too be free and whole again, finding happiness and being a true father to Miranda. Lastly, not only does he want to be happy himself, but he wants everyone else to be to which is why he sets his spirits free to the natural world and he resolves his conflicts with his brother.
Clara Gorek C Block
ReplyDelete1. Why does Prospero decide to give up magic? What does his choice show about what he thinks happened in the past? How does he plan to live in the future?
Prospero plans to live a life without magic. He decides that he has in fact imprinted his position of power upon all beings on the island, and will be able to redeem his rightful role as Duke of Milan soon after he leaves the island. Though magic served him well, it did hinder his ability to see clearly. For example when he was over thrown, or when he lost sight of Caliban’s plan to kill him. Both situations he hopes to avoid by burning his books. He will return to Milan and lead his people with natural force and empowerment.
2. What has Prospero learned? Has he changed in any fundamental way or had the change already occurred before the beginning of the action?
Prospero, after making the decision to burn his books, seems to become “forgiving” and “grateful.” Both attributes were not prevalent earlier on. Though he clearly indentifies his higher power over his brother, he does state that he forgives him and shall move on with his role as Duke of Milan. I was relieved when Prospero shared his gratitude towards Ariel. I believe this action showed that he has learned to commend people for their jobs well done and allow them to achieve higher status without dwelling on his own.
1. Prospero decides to give up magic because as he is leaving the island, he doesn't have much use for it and he needs it no longer. Because he is going back to the real world, magic would also be a distraction he doesn't want, especially considering he was usurped as Duke of Milan because magic distracted him in the first place. Now that he no longer needs to magic for his and his daughter's safety, he can put it aside without worrying about survival on the island and just focus on being the Duke of Milan once more while he can.
ReplyDelete2. As the play progresses, Prospero begins to change in several ways because his entire life is changing, and therefore so must he. When Miranda and Ferdinand fall in love, he has to accept that allow his daughter to move on, therefore maturing as a father. In addition, with the arrival of those who were involved in his dethronement as the Duke of Milan, after chastising them through Ariel, decides to forgive Alonso, though it is not clear whether he forgives Sebastian and Antonio. Furthermore, he doesn't punish them, and he probably decides they have already been punished enough by being shipwrecked on an island, and further retribution wouldn't help anyone. Finally, he also lets Ariel free, though in the beginning of the play he got angry at Ariel for reminding Prospero to set him free at some point. This shows how he has truly relaxed in his judgement of others and has become a kinder person as a result.
I disagree with you in the first part of answer 1, its not just because he is leaving the island but also the fact that it has caused him harm. The main of reason of him having magic was for him to get revenge and not survive. when he was still the duke, he still had he's magic
Delete1. Prospero has succeeded in taking back the throne and escaping the island; which means he will be returning to the world of the normal. He decides to give up magic and live in Milan as a normal mortal because of all of the troubles it has brought him. He's using this move as a fresh start. Magic distracted Prospero which led to him being dethroned and banished. On the island, magic distracted Prospero to the point at which he forgot about Caliban's plan to kill him. He plans to live magic free in Milan. He will take the throne once more, attend the weeding of Miranda and Ferdinand, retire, and await his death.
ReplyDelete2.Prospero has learned that magic is not always the remedy, but rather the sickness. He has given up his magic so he can focus on the world around him and focus on Miranda. He is more attentive. He seemed distant both in Milan and on the island. He would still talk to people and engage but the whole time it seemed as though he was thinking about something else. I think the events since the tempest has made Prospero a nicer and more thoughtful man.
1)Prospero gives up his magic because he feels like he no longer needs it. He will return to Milan as a respected man, and his daughter will rule Naples with Ferdinand, so Prospero’s magic has given him what he wanted. At the beginning of the play, Prospero has a prominent desire to return things to order, and he uses his magic to do so. For example, he creates the storm to bring the nobles to the island, and then he uses his magic to manipulate the nobles. At the end, he sees how the nobles are suffering and forgives them for what they did to him in the past. They apologize to him and show their respect for him, so order is restored.
ReplyDeleteI also think Prospero gives up his magic because he doesn’t want the responsibility it brings. Although Prospero wants everything to be in order, he almost feels like he is responsible for making it right. His magic helps make it right, and if he didn’t have his magic then he wouldn’t have the pressure to make it right. Without his magic, he will be able to live a quiet life with a carefree attitude because he doesn’t have the pressure to change the world around him with magic.
2)I think Prospero changes over the course of the book. At the beginning of the book he comes off as angry and somewhat unhappy. He becomes content because of other people’s happiness. Even though he is skeptical at first, he is happy that Ferdinand and Miranda are together and in love. I also think he learns how to forgive by the end of the play. Prospero doesn’t have to forgive Alonso or keep Antonio and Sebastian’s secret, but he does because of the transformations he has made throughout the book.
-Raja Klein
It seems a though Prospero gives up his magic because of the empathy he began to have for the people he imprisoned. Ariel brings new to him that he has captured them and gives a hint he feels guilty. This prompts Prospero to judge how he feels about this, he thinks that since Ariel is “made of air,” Prospero should feel more towards the others because he can relate. It also seems like he is ready to give up the “magical” life he has been living for the past 12 years, and return to reality for the sake of himself, his daughter and others. Prospero has shown major growth in his personality throughout the play. He has become a lot more accepting of others and learned true forgiveness towards people who have hurt him.
ReplyDelete1. Prospero makes the decision to give of magic because he is leaving the island and headed back to society where he doesn't need magic to manipulate others any longer. Now Prospero can simply control people because he is the Duke of Milan. What’s more, no one is left on the island to manipulate, Prospero’s conflicts with other people have all been resolved and he has no more spirits to enslave. Prospero’s choice shows that he has learned from his mistakes and realized that his obsession with magic has done him more bad than good. He has learned to forgive and move forward with his life and leaving magic behind will only help him do so. In the future Prospero plans to return as the Duke of Milan, watch Miranda and Ferdinand marry and eventually, prepare for his death.
ReplyDelete2. Prospero’s decision to set Ariel free and more importantly forgive those who have done him wrong, represents that Prospero has learned that forgiveness is more important than reprisal. This change of character was the result of him realizing that holding on to the past and seeking revenge on others is not a healthy way to live life and it did not provide him with happiness. Prospero has blossomed from an angry, power-hungry and tyrannical character into a forgiving and sympathetic one. Clearly, this is a positive change in character.
–Isabel Keene
To me, Prospero's decision to give up magic mirrored multiple things. First and foremost, it signals that he is content, and he does not need to resort to magic for happiness. He is done with living life on a whim and has settled down to contemplate his ending. It also portrays the fact that Prospero has realized that magic may not have been beneficial to him, as shown numerous times throughout the plot. For example, magic was what ultimately got Prospero overthrown as Duke of Milan, and it also temporarily blinded him to Caliban's plot.
ReplyDeleteThe change in Prospero occurs gradually over the course of the story to the point where he learns of the condition of the nobles, in which he is overcome with pity and forgiveness. At that point there it all becomes clear to Prospero: Forgiving his enemies and starting anew is the key to his future happiness. Until that point he had displayed subtle changes, such as an approval in the relationship of his daughter and his increasing openness to the idea of Ariel's freedom.
1. Prosper gives up magic, because it had both good and bad effects on him and the people around him, but the bad effects far exceeded the good. Now that he can go back to Milan, he can live in the present, he can look after Miranda and Ferdinand, and he can be open to what the world has to offer, aside from controlling his and others lives by means of magic. Magic was the reason why Caliban was planning to kill him, why he kept Ariel as his servant, why he lost his place in line for the throne, and now he will not be occupied by such strong emotions of taking matters into his own hands.
ReplyDelete2. I think that Prospero learned that letting go is how he must now live. He married off his daughter to Ferdinand, he set ariel free, and he gave the island over to Caliban to rule peacefully. The road before him has now opened up to him, he can live happily, and without worry of being overtaken ever again. I think that throughout the play, it is quite obvious that Prospero will one day have to let go of his magic, and it took the gathering of the people he most regretted for him to realize it. Now that everything is said and done, peace has been made, and tranquility has been found for everyone to reside in.
Prospero gave up his magic in a way of surrender to the people around him. I think that previously, he has always been feared even by those he cared for. His brother most-likely feared him so he banished him and he is now realizing that it will be easier to connect with his daughter and future son-in-law. Finally, he has given up his magic so it will be easier for him to reunite with his brother and those that he felt wronged him. Overall, I believe Prospero gave up his magic to say: "Alright everyone, I'm just like you." He has always been obsessed with his magic so this is a big change for him.
ReplyDeleteIn no means to copy Quinton's response to the second question, I also strongly agree. Prospero is learning to let go and accept the changes around him. He is willing of his daughter's marriage, acceptant of his brother's wrongdoings, and has built up the gratitude to release Ariel. He changed greatly over this last Act.
Star
1) Why does Prospero decide to give up magic? What does his choice show about what he thinks happened in the past? How does he plan to live in the future?
ReplyDeleteProspero decides to give up magic, because it caused so much trouble and he doesn't want to have to deal with it anymore. I think that after he leaves the island, he would like to be able to live like a normal human being so he can enjoy the rest of his life without any distractions. I think his choice shows that the only reason he every needed magic in the past was to fix problems that were never meant to happen. Prospero probably thought that he was never meant to be betrayed by his brother and the only way to return to Milan again was to use magic. In the future, he plans to return to Milan and see Miranda and Ferdinand get married.
2) What has Prospero learned? Has he changed in any fundamental way or had the change already occurred before the beginning of the action?
I think the most valuable lesson Prospero learned was that no matter how much you may despise someone, you will eventually have to forgive them. After seeking revenge on Antonio, Gonzalo, Alonso, etc. for so long, he finally got sick of it, he knew that it was time to forgive these people so he could live the rest of his life without having to worry about anything. I think he also realizes that once Miranda leaves the island, he will be all alone and the only way to fix that is to forgive the people that sent him to the island.
-Celine Gauchey
Prospero chooses to give up magic because it has troubled and distracted him time and time again throughout his adult life. Prospero tried very hard to lean on his magical abilities instead of simply standing up and dealing with his problems. We see this when he disregards his duties as the Duke as well as how he used magic instead of talking it out with people. He was always in a mindset of revenge and this blinds him and makes him forget his social skills. In the future, he plans to return to Milan and see Miranda and Ferdinand get married, like a normal and non-magical father would. This will make him happy in a way that magic never could.
ReplyDeleteI think the most valuable lesson Prospero learned was how not forgiving people makes for a very lonely existence. Here he is, stranded on this island for twelve years, with no one but Miranda and his slaves for company. Then the girl that he raised fell in love with a good man, but where did that leave Prospero? I think Prospero realizes how lonely life could be for him, even with these magical powers. His magic does not provide things like friendship, children, nor brotherhood. Through getting a dose of this reality, Prospero gains this important value.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete1. Prospero has forsaken his magic because he feels it is time to start over. He forgives Alonso and the lot, (if he is a little less forgiving towards Antonio and Sebastian, like Carlos said), and he is once again the duke of Milan. Another interesting idea is that he feels vulnerable with his magic, as Justice said. He was too absorbed in his studies to notice Antonio overthrowing him, and he was rattled again by his obliviousness to worldly happenings when Ariel reminded him that Caliban and company were coming to kill him. He may be worried that he would fall ‘under the spell’ of his magic (if you’ll pardon the pun) again and be usurped. Prospero plans to rely on what strength he has left to go back to Milan, see Ferdinand and Miranda married, and then prepare for his death.
ReplyDelete2. Prospero has learned to be more wary of what is going on around him (which is shown in his realization of Caliban’s plot). Whether he was already planning to forgive Alonso, Antonio, and the rest of the traitors or not, he has clearly accepted that holding grudges against them will not serve him or make him happy. I think he has changed since the beginning of the book, because there is no indication of his intent to eventually forsake his powers in the beginning of the book. He also seems like he is more empathetic. On several occasions Miranda appealed to his humanity to stop torturing people (even though the tortures were an illusion). Also, Ariel told him of the effect of his spells on the traitors, “That if you now beheld them, your affections Would become tender”. I think this produced shame in Prospero, because he had not felt sorry for his ‘victims’ or even realized what he was doing to them.
I believe that Prospero gave up his magic because he no longer needed it. All this time he needed his powers to control his spirits, Ariel, and Caliban to put his plans into action. Now that he is finished with his revenge though, I think he is ready to return to Milan and live a relatively peaceful life. This choice shows that he believes that what happened in the past is past and that it is time to stop dwelling on it and forgive as well as move on. Maybe it is time for him to live with compassion and forgiveness, as the future of being the rightful Duke again and being more family oriented ( newly father-in-law) comes closer and closer.
ReplyDeleteProsper has learned how to be more empathetic and sympathetic as an outcome. In the first act he was set on avenging the people who were responsible for him being on this island (though they meant for him to die). However, when they meet up in the last act, he greets them heartily and is eager to tell them of his life on the island and the union of Miranda and Ferdinand. I believe he will not take things for granted anymore and will treasure his daughter and the life he has.
-Sabrina Thacher
p.s. Hahahaha Bevin I beat ya! <3 you:)
Prospero, at the beginning of the book, is cruel and full of revenge. He wants revenge on Antonio because he had taken over Prospero’s power. However when it comes to the climax of the book, and Prospero is finally going to get revenge on his enemies he realizes how much he feels for them. Because Prospero lost his daughter he can see how his enemies captured by him must feel. Therefore he gives up his magical powers and letting them be free.
ReplyDeleteProspero learned to not be so focused on how much power he has with either magic or the amount of servants; he’s focusing on letting people around live a better life. I think the loss of his daughter was the largest aspect of Prospero’s change in personality. Because all of his prisoners had lost something to Prospero had felt sympathetic for them.
1. I completely agree with Carlos; Prospero is giving up magic because he plans to return to normal civilization. And in "normal" civilization, there is no magic. I also agree with Sabrina. The main reasons why Prospero needed magic was to control the Spirits. It shows that he has put the past behind him and wants to start over again ( most likely because he is tired of being isolated on the island). He also plans to be the Duke of Milan when he gets back which is another reason to not need magic. Magic is a sign of power, and now that he has power without magic, the magic will just get in the way.
ReplyDelete2. In the beginning Prospero was in a state of anger. He was angry at those who forced him out of Milan and onto this island. But, like what Holland said, after inflicting the pain on Alonso, Sebatian, Antonio, etc. did not help his cause. Instead it made him just like the royals who overthrew him. Luckily, his conscience kicked in and told him to change. That is when he became more accepting of things and decided to give up magic.
Prospero has given up magic because he will soon return to Milan. He has realized that, magic was his downfall (since he was so busy studying magic, he didn’t realize the removal of his dukedom). Furthermore, he will not want to be so distracted again. Magic will also be unnecessary once he returns to Milan. He only needed it on the island to supply his and his daughter’s needs. He wishes to live with his relatives peacefully as a normal person.
ReplyDeleteI think that Prospero has changed during the play in his feelings towards the royalty of Milan. At the beginning of the play, he had no close feelings to them and had a seemingly stereotypical opinion characterizing them as being traitors. But I think that now he has realized that most of the royalty are pure of heart, and that a small minority are not. This brings forth a change of heart, in which he accepts those kind souls as his friends.
If this blog deletes my nearly complete post one more time, I will refuse to write blog postings for the remainder of the school year (for some reason I cannot copy and paste into this, so I am stuck writing it directly into this slot).
ReplyDelete1. Why does Prospero decide to give up magic? What does his choice show about what he thinks happened in the past? How does he plan to live in the future?
I beleive that Prospero gives up magic because he begins to recognize that his magic has only been used to create unhappiness, sorrow, or to prove a point. Prospero seems to have adopted power to have some sort of control and power, similar to he may have felt as the Duke of Milan. Thus, when he let his vengeance get the best of him,he used it to hurt others, even if it meant hurting those who helped him, such as Gonzalo. He seems to view his past as on big act of revenge, thus deciding to give up magic to redeem hmself. Thus, keeping Caliban in captivity seems inconsistent to overarching idea of redemption- perhaps it is relevant to the archaic time period? He clearly plans to return to his position as Duke and keep his eye on reality this time around.
2. What has Prospero learned? Has he changed in any fundamental way or had the change already occurred before the beginning of the action?
I would argue that Prospero has not fundementally changed. He did learn that he is partially responsible for losing the throne, but otherwise he has not changed. His character seems too mellow- it is an inconsistency with the rest of the book. One could argue that magic channeled his anger and need for revenge, but something seemed to have softened him. I would argue that another scene is needed in the play, and we cannot assess truly whether he has learned because of his stark difference in personality. In the books current form, he still abuses Caliban, possibly representing the facts that his beleifs have not changed, and seems eager to get back in power. I beleive Prospero has a need for power that is not fully portrayed in this play. His actions may have changed, but I see no explanation for why he possibly could have changed that is not easily refuted.
I think that Prospero decides to give up magic because he wants to start over with a new life, and he doesn't need it anymore because he is going back to real life and he doesn't need magic anymore. As others said before, he uses magic to get servants, but back in Milan he will not need to use magic to get them, because he will be given them. I also think that he is taking this chance to start over his life new. He wants people to like him in Milan, and he is over the point where he only cares about himself.
ReplyDeleteI think that Prospero has learned a lot and changed very much from the beginning of the book. I think that his biggest change happened when Miranda and Ferdinand fell in love. At first he was not thrilled about it, and he almost tried to make it disappear. But when he realized that they really care about each other he became more understanding and thought that he would be fine with them being in love.
1. Why does Prospero decide to give up magic? What does his choice show about what he thinks happened in the past? How does he plan to live in the future?
ReplyDeleteProspero chooses to give up his magic because he simply didn't need it anymore. Prospero decided to mature, and so he forgave Alonso for trying to kill him, he set Caliban free, and he became a better father to both Miranda and Ferdinand. The sacrifices he made in the last read shocked me because I thought that Prospero was self-centered and selfish. The act of forgiving everyone must have been hard for him. But now he can move on and live his life without magic with his daughter Miranda and son Ferdinand.
2. What has Prospero learned? Has he changed in any fundamental way or had the change already occurred before the beginning of the action?
As I said in the last question, he matured in so many ways. He put all the differences between him and Alonso aside, and managed to forgive and forget. In the beginning of this story, he focused on making his brothers life miserable, so he created a tempest that damaged their ship. In the end of the story, he repairs the ship, reunites Alonso with his son, and earns major respect from Caliban. Maybe it was his daughter's marriage that matured him, or perhaps the realization that he will never accomplish anything without letting go.
-Bevin McCullough
(Jim--you won! I surrender!! You are a master at the game...)
I believe that Prospero gave up magic because he was going to return to normal civilization where his sorcery would not be accepted. Also, he would not have a reason to use magic back in Milan. He was the duke, after all. He could get anything he needed, so he would have no reason to go around bossing people with magic, he would not need spirits to help him accomplish anything either. That was really his only use for magic on the island. Also I think he just wants to be accepted as the duke of Milan, not being feared. He wanted to be a normal human being.
ReplyDeleteProspero has changed quite a bit from the beginning of the story. In the beginning, he was so full of anger for those who rejected him and put him on the island, and now, he has forgiven all of the people that did him wrong years and years ago. Prospero has learned the art of forgivness. Like Holland said, doing all the things that he did to Alonso, Sebastien, Antonio, Gonzalo, Adrian, Fransisco, Stephano, and Trinculo made him feel like the traitors who outcast him from his rightful place as duke of Milan.
-Bradley Thomas
1. In this act Prospero gives up magic because he really has no use for it anymore. By returning to a civilized city the need for magical powers and qualities is no longer a necessity. In a normal world there's no place for spirits like Ariel, only reason and explanations. I think by giving up magic this shows he's making ammends with his past and moving on to a brighter future, where he can die without feeling sorry for the wrongdoings and mistakes he's made. Prospero now can enjoy his last years of watching Ferdinand and Miranda marry and assuming his rightful dukedom.
ReplyDelete2. In this last act Prospero has definitely changed in a fundamental way. Instead of his revenge-seeking, glory-bound personality prevalent in most of the book he has learned to face the world with a calmness and acceptance. He also has found a way to deal with his control issues. Before, all that mattered was that he knew what everyone was doing and how to prevent it. For example, he controlled Miranda and Ferdinands love. But now Prospero can live his own life, unbothered by the actions of others. However, whether his personality change is from old age or merely the events on the island is interpretable.
1. Prospero decides to give up magic because he believes that he does not need it anymore. Now that he has been able to seek vengeance if he felt he needed to he feels that forgiveness is the better way out. Also, he really will not have a use for it in the modern world. People will only be scared by it and will not like it. Furthermore, Prospers has accepted what has happened in his past and feels that he has come to terms with it and the people involved. Now, he can watch his family grow and flourish. Finally.
ReplyDelete2. Prospero has learned that revenge is not the way out. A man who lives by the sword dies by the sword, and he has thought about the unpleasantness of being stabbed by the sword. I believe that he has really grown as a father throughout the story and learned that he needs to think of his family first before his own wants and desires. I think that he really had not learned this till mid way through the action. It is easy to tell that as he goes through the story he becomes focused on himself and his wants and his desires. Even focused on his wants and desires between Miranda and Ferdinand, but he begins to realize that it is also important of his daughters own desires.
1. Prospero is giving up his power because he is returning back to civilization where he will take his rightful place as duke thus he will have no need for it. In the very beginning he was to distracted by all the sourcery thats why his brother did not think that he was right to be duke of Milan and sent for him to be killed. Now that he is returning he does not want this distraction on him. By giving up his power he is forgeting all the wrong doings he has done in the past and ready to move on to a better future.
ReplyDelete2. Prospero has learned that keeping this grudge on his brother will get him no where in life. And I agree with what cole said that magic channeled his anger and need for revenge, but something seemed to have softened him. Since he had all this power he thought that revenge would be nice but it has brought him no where and what seemed to change him the most is when Miranda and Ferdinand fell in love with each other, he was used to having Miranda all to himself and now that Ferdinand came in he did not agree with this but he later accepted it relizing that not everything has to be about him.
1. Prospero decides to give up magic in act 5 because he has finally decided to move on from the wrongs that were committed to him by his usurpers. His decision proves that he no longer feels resentment, hate, and a desire for vengeance against his past perpetrators. He now simply wants to forget and forgive. However, it is important to note that he only made his decision to give up his magic and forgive the wrongs he was subject to after he had complete control of the situation, his future, and the lives of those he held captive. This shows how although his motives had a tinge of nobility, his actions were reeking of selfishness. I believe he plans to live the future in happiness and leisure for he is to return as duke of Milan. He wants nothing other than peace in the near future.
ReplyDelete2. Prospero has learned to respect others and to forgive and forget. These are traits that Prospero has been lacking for 12 years while being in control of the island. He was completely selfish in all is dealings with everyone on his island not caring for what they feel or think, but only wanting his demand carried out. I think Prospero has not changed in any way because his decision to give up magic and forgive the people who committed crimes against him was only made when it was in his best interest to do so. If Prospero still held his magical powers when he revealed himself to Alonso, Sebastian, Gonzalo, and Antonio he will not have come off as a lovable and helpeless old man which was an essential image for him to come off as in order to ensure their sympathy, respect, and to get back his dukedom. Till the end, Prospero acted completely out of self interest.
^^^^^^ That was by Ram K
ReplyDelete1. Why does Prospero decide to give up magic? What does his choice show about what he thinks happened in the past? How does he plan to live in the future?
ReplyDeleteProspero decides to give up magic because he wants to live a normal life. He doesn't want to deal with the complications of manipulating spirits and people, like Ariel, his brothers, and his daughter and plotting against Caliban. Also he doesn't want to make the same mistake he made in the past when he wasn't thinking of his people and family because he was more focused on magic. This choice reflects that Prospero has come to his senses and sees the big picture meaning that he understands what being a good leader and king involves.
2. What has Prospero learned? Has he changed in any fundamental way or had the change already occurred before the beginning of the action?
Using magic has actually taught him to be a better leader. When you can easily manipulate people with magic, you get get obsessed with it. He sees that, and now he's tamed himself. He realizes he'd taken advantage of his power. Prospero changes fundamentally after he realized how much he'd ruined the future of his daughter, Milan, himself while still living on the island. Then he used his magic for the better by freeing Ariel from the tree trunk and making sure that Alonso and his men stayed alive on the island. Prospero fixed everything he had affected by being obsessed with magic. Then he decides to stop using it and restrains himself.