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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 forgivenshowing Prosperos 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 Shakespeares 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...…Shakespeare shows another natural ordera spiritual order that transcends evil that we could definitely use today: Prospero refuses to use his magic for evil; Ferdinand shows his noble character by giving respect to Prospero; and Ariel shows good conduct that is rewarded with freedom by Prospero, who even in the beginning of the play in Act one, scene iii, states to the sprite: Ariel, thy charge / Exactly is performd, meaning that the sprite does as commanded and neglects nothing. Thus, freedom from servitude is a just rewardjust as restoration of Prospero to his rightful place as Duke is justice; and marriage to the lovely Miranda is a just reward for Ferdinand, who demonstrates the kind of honor and nobility that any good father-in-law would want from…
References
Cressler, L. (2020). The Tempest. Shakespeare Bulletin, 38(2), 274-278.
Frey, C. (1979). The tempest and the New World. Shakespeare Quarterly, 30(1), 29-41.
Jones, H. K., & Denman, S. (1875). Notes of a conversation on Shakespeare's"Tempest". The Journal of Speculative Philosophy, 9(3), 293-299.
Shakespeare, W. (n.d.). The Tempest. Retrieved from https://www.shakespearefreelibrary.com/uploads/4/2/1/6/4216153/2010_cbury_tempest.pdf
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