Shakespeare s Sense of Order in The Tempest

Is Justice Served? Yes, in The Tempest

In The Tempest, Shakespeare presents a complex but clear picture of justice being served. For instance, Prospero is rightfully reinstated as Duke of Milan, while those who conspired against him are punished (but also forgiven—showing Prospero’s magnanimity). Additionally, Ariel is released from slavery for having faithfully served Prospero. And Ferdinand is rewarded with marriage to Miranda for his good behavior. This paper will show how all three are justly rewarded according to Shakespeare’s understanding of the natural order and why it should just as well work for us today.

First, there is the main character of Prospero. Shakespeare presents Prospero as a good man who has been wronged. He is a skilled magician and has the ability to control the elements. However, he chooses not to use his powers for evil. He is also a loving father and husband. He shows his love for his daughter, Miranda, by giving her a good education and protecting her from harm. He also shows his love for his wife, by agreeing to take her back even though she has been unfaithful. Prospero\\\\\\\'s goodness is further evidenced by his willingness to forgive those who have wronged him. He forgives his brother for betraying him and taking his position as Duke of Milan. He also forgives the king of Naples for sending him into exile. Overall, Shakespeare presents Prospero as a good man who has been wronged by others but who still manages to forgive them (Frey, 1979).

Next, there is the main focus of Prospero, which is Ferdinand—whom Prospero wants for a son-in-law. Ferdinand is depicted as a good and noble character. He is the son of the deposed King of Naples, and he has been exiled to a remote island. Despite his unfortunate circumstances, Ferdinand remains positive and optimistic. He falls in love with Miranda, the daughter of the island\\\\\\\'s magician, Prospero. Ferdinand is a hard worker, and he is determined to win Miranda\\\\\\\'s hand in marriage (Jones & Denman, 1875). He also shows great respect for Prospero, despite the fact that Prospero has deprived him of his freedom. In the end, Ferdinand proves himself to be a brave and honorable man, worthy of Miranda\\\\\\\'s love.

Finally, there is the faithful servant Ariel. In Shakespeare\\\\\\\'s The Tempest, Ariel is a good and faithful servant who is loyal to his master, Prospero. Ariel is first seen in Act I, scene iii, when the sprite appears to Prospero and tells him that the ship carrying his daughter Miranda and Prospero\\\\\\\'s enemies has been wrecked in a storm. Ariel then proceeds to help Prospero carry out his plan to revenge himself on his enemies (thus repaying old debts) (Cressler, 2020). He does this by using his magical powers to create the illusion of a feast and by manipulating the thoughts of Prospero\\\\\\\'s enemies. In addition, Ariel also helps Prospero to rescue Miranda from captivity and return her safely to him. As a result, Ariel is shown to be a good and faithful servant who is willing to help his master in any way possible.