This is a very important of the play, as Prospero declares his
intention to renunciate his magical powers as he has achieved the objective he has been aiming
for. However, there is a sense in which Prospero seems to recognise that the magical powers he
has used to successfully on the island are only suitable to be used there. His return to
civilised life indicates that he must leave this period of life behind him. The magical island as
a setting means that it is suitable for him as a character to practice magic, but the court
setting from which he was banished and will be returning to is a place of politic and intrigue,
and therefore magic is not appropriate. Thus the magic that Prospero practises is "rough,"
because it is not suitable for the sophisticated court life that Prospero will be returning
to.
Likewise, although Prospero has achieved so much with his magic,
perhaps the description of his magic as "rough" recognises its limitations. He could control the
elements, creating storms and shipwrecking vessels, but he was not able to change emotions and
ways of thinking. He could not change the hearts of Antonio or Sebastian for example. Thus, his
magic is at best a "rough" instrument, unsuited for the delicate task of changing people's
thoughts and attitudes.
No comments:
Post a Comment