Supernatural in the Tempest I'm doing a paper discussing the supernatural in the Tempest and Alexander Pope's Rape of the Lock. I was just hoping to get a little input on your opinions on the fact that the supernatural (Ariel) is controlled by Prospero, instead of the supernatural controlling humans, as is usually the case. Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks. posted by Kit (What You Will) on 2004-06-30 15:08:11 last updated 2004-06-30 15:08:11
Some comments I have a few unrelated comments: Prospero is a magician. At least in the middle ages (though probably not in Elizabethan times) magician-sorcerers-wizards-alchemists were widely respected and thought to control the supernatural to some extent. Dr. Faustus seemed to control the supernatural (though in the end it controlled him). Macbeth at first is dominated by the witches, but later seems to control them (though to his fall). In short, the idea of men controlling the supernatural, or at least thinking they can, is not that unusual in the lore of Shakespeare's England. The fact that Prospero controls the island through magic gives the audience considerable comfort. There is a deadly tempest, several murderous fellows and a rebellious monster on that little island, but the audience can relax and enjoy because there is a (fairly) benevolent old man who controls events and even the supernatural there. posted by Dave J on 2004-07-02 12:54:58 last updated 2004-07-02 12:54:58
Copyright © 2000-2004 Dana Spradley, Publisher, shakespeare.com. All rights reserved.