Tempest

In Act I, scene 2 of Shakespeare's The Tempest, the protagonist Prospero explains his case to both his daughter and his familiar spirit Ariel. Thus, the main themes of the play are elucidated in this one scene more than any other. The concept of power, of power overused and power usurped are evident and constant in Act One, scene 2 of The Tempest. This early in the play, before the audience is privy to the p[ersonalities of Alonso, Ferdinand, Antonia, Sebastian or the other, Prospero establishes the main theme through his characterization, his dialogue, and his stage presence: he embodies the main theme of power tempered with wisdom. Even thought Prospero's very act of bringing on the storm seems morally degenerate at first, the audience seems ironically sympathetic to him. We are led to believe that his birthright as a Duke lends him a sort of ultimate moral authority...
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