The idea that Propsero is Shakespeare, and that in Propsero Shakespeare delivers his validictory to the stage, is an old notion and is fairly common, but I think the conclusion reads too much into the text. Maybe Shakespeare does see himself as Prospero, and, indeed, may have played Prospero on the stage (no evidence--but it seems the sort of role Shakespeare played). Perhaps Hamlet is another character who is an alter-ego of Shakespeare (though we can be reasonably sure that Shakespeare didn't act as Hamlet). But, however much of Shakespeare we see in Propero, Prospero is not Shakespeare (nor is Hamlet Shakespeare).
Much of this is simply my opinion. There is precious little evidence. The most one can say is that any author may be expected to put some of himself into a positive character and that the character of Shakespeare, as revealed by contemporary references, has something of the maturity and careful judgement he puts into Prospero.
But saying that there are similarities is not the same as saying that they are the same or that the author is using the character to deliver a personal message. As attractive as the notion is that, when Prospero says farewell to his magic, it is really Shakespeare saying farewell to his magic, I have my doubts. |
