#enl3arguments

The Tempest

Critical Question: How is Prospero’s revenge portrayed in the text? Specifically, is it for himself or for his daughter?

Hypothesis: Prospero is trying to gain power again for his own personal interests.

Evidence:

1) Prospero’s tirade of keeping Ariel as his servant in Act I.

2) Reference to his tale in a power struggle with his brother in Act I.

3) Scheming behind Miranda’s back when she first sights Ferdinand in Act 1.2.

Perspectives:

1) A man who truly wants his daughter to receive her birth rights as the daughter of a duke.

2) A man who is spiteful after losing his influence and power over others.

Can make other references:

Frankenstein: Who is actually more responsible for the other’s demise—Frankenstein or his “monster?”