For example, in the story Prospero is the controller of Ariel and Caliban -- although Prospero conducts each of these relationships differently, both Ariel and Caliban are acutely aware of their subservience. Prospero gives his blessing to Ferdinand and Miranda, warning Ferdinand only that he take care not to break Miranda’s “virgin-knot” before the wedding has been solemnized (IV.i. Because Ferdinand is a prince, Prospero, as Miranda’s father, regains his noble title. This whole play can be viewed as Prospero’s manipulation of events to regain his former title and glory. Prospero secretly blesses their love and fully approves of their marriage. In this essay I will examine Prospero’s use of paternal power, more specifically in his relationship to Miranda and Caliban. Prospero and Miranda’s relationship in the Tempest is a strongly bonded one. Ferdinand reassures her that he is royalty, stating that she is the most beautiful woman he has laid his eyes upon. They go on to declare their undying love for each other, with Miranda suggesting marriage as Ferdinand readily agrees. Prospero accepts the union, but issues them a warning; if Ferdinand takes Miranda's virginity before a ceremony can … Prospero and Paternal Power - Free download as Word Doc (.doc), PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. Prospero tries to control Miranda’s knowledge of their lives in Milan by keeping it a secret from her. Prospero then calls in Ariel and asks him to summon spirits to perform a masque for Ferdinand and Miranda. Prospero is treating Ferdinand like a slave in order to give him obstacles so he can better treasure his love for Miranda. The encounter between Miranda and Ferdinand in lines 450-499 of The Tempest is presented using three characters, Miranda, Ferdinand, and Prospero. Throughout the play, Prospero does direct a disproportionate amount of blame toward Alonso, leading him to abduct and enslave Alonso's son Ferdinand; when confronting his brothers, Prospero actually calls Antonio "a furtherer in the act," a great understatement of Antonio's actual role as prime perpetrator of the crime against Prospero. In the final line of this quote, Prospero describes his daughter as his “rich gift,” indicating his use of her in a patriarchal system of kinship. 15 – 17). Regardless of Prospero’s’ protectiveness over Miranda he is proud of her in many ways Prospero’s pride in his daughter is shown as he boasts of her to Ferdinand in Act 4, ‘thus boosting her confidence as well I ratify this rich gift… she will outstrip all praise and make it halt behind her. However, in trying to escape one power relationship, Caliban quickly creates another when he … Summary of Act IV. In Act IV, Prospero admits that he has been testing Ferdinand’s love for Miranda since they first met in Act I. However, Prospero has a very strict control over Miranda, especially any aspects relating to sexual relations. Yet Prospero seems less invested in whether Miranda’s love for Ferdinand is true. This leads Caliban to challenge Prospero’s control by serving Stefano instead. He continues to show his power over by trying to set up Miranda and Ferdinand for marriage but allowing them to believe it was their idea and not his. Prospero stops Ferdinand's punishment, and decides to finally give Miranda to him, since he has proven his love for her through his service. Prospero loves having and controlling power, and Miranda is another thing to add to … Prospero's goal is to have Miranda become queen so Prospero is aware of Ferdinand's role as royalty whereas he treats Caliban like dirt. Ferdinand promises to comply. In scene 4, Miranda and Ferdinand gets married which seals the union between the two families.