Table of Contents
Symbolism of the Book
Prospero’s Cloak and Books
Prospero’s cloak and books are revealed as the authentic source of his magical ability. Only twice does he remove his cloak; when he is explaining to Miranda their history and her true identity and again, at the end of the play, when he chooses to give up his power in exchange for his life back.
Knowing how much Prospero loves his books, Gonzalo arranges for them to be placed on the ship when Miranda and Prospero are exiled from Milan. Had it not been for the books, Prospero would never have been capable of summoning the Tempest and restoring the relationship between Naples and Milan.
Caliban suggests that in order to overthrow Prospero, Stephano must seize his books.
At the end of the play, Prospero proclaims “I’ll drown my books”…a statement that many scholars later suggest is a proclamation from Shakespeare himself as he retires from writing.
The Tempest
The tempest storm is representative of the political unrest that is commonly seen throughout the play. When the passengers and the ship are at the mercy of the tempest, nature and the common workers (the seamen) seemingly have more power than the upper class leadership. This reversal of power continues throughout the entirety of the play, until Prospero regains his rightful spot as the Duke of Milan and promises to restore rule.
Key Facts
- Prospero, a sorcerer and the Duke of Milan, was banished from his homeland and sent off to sea by his brother, Antonio, and the King of Naples, Alonso. Prospero uses his magical abilities to make these men repent for their wrongdoings and to restore him to his proper title.
- The Tempest was created by Prospero in order to cause the ship sailed upon by his enemies to wreck.
- The play frequently touches on the ‘illusion of justice’ and viewing men as monsters and vice versa.
