Prospero has a change of heart. Initially, he was bitter since his brother Antonio with the help of the King of Naples Aloso had deposed him from his rightful throne and confined him in an Island. At the end of the play, instead of Prospero punishing his brother Antonio and the King of Naples Alonso, he forgives them but retakes his throne.
Describe Caliban’s relationship to both Prospero and Miranda. How does he see them? How does each of them view Caliban?
Caliban’s relationship to Prospero and Miranda is that of resentment. He views Prospero as a usurper since Prospero has taken charge of the Island that Caliban considers to be the ruler. Prospero and Miranda on the other hand view Caliban with contempt, disgust and disappointment. Caliban is the son of Sycorax a witch who trapped the spirit Ariel in a tree. Sycorax dies before releasing the spirit. When Prospero and Miranda arrive at the Island, Prospero uses his magic to release Ariel. Ariel is, thus, forced to work for Prospero to control the island and its inhabitants including Caliban. Ariel does so reluctantly. Caliban views this control as an act of sabotage and attack since Prospero and Miranda are just but visitors.
What does the island present both at the beginning and at the end of the play?
At the beginning of the play, the island represents a place of solace. The Duke of Milan Prospero finds a home in it when his brother Antonio deposes him off his throne. He uses the Island as a means of getting back his throne. At the end of the play, it serves as a reconciliatory place when Prospero forces the survivors of Antonio’s ship wreck to land on the Island. It is in this Island that Prospero sets the terms to Antonio and Alonso who have no choice but to obey Prospero.
