Themes Part 2: Forgiveness, Nature vs Nurture & Illusion

This lesson continues our exploration of The Tempest's themes, focusing on forgiveness and reconciliation, the nature vs nurture debate, and the interplay of magic, illusion, and reality.

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Forgiveness and Reconciliation

The movement from vengeance to forgiveness is the play's central moral arc.

Prospero's Journey

    START                                              END
    =====                                              ===
    Anger -----> Punishment -----> Turning Point -----> Forgiveness
    (Storm)      (Torment of      (Ariel's plea)       ("The rarer
                  enemies)                               action is
                                                         in virtue")

The Turning Point: Ariel's Influence

In Act 5 Scene 1, Ariel describes the suffering of Prospero's enemies:

"Your charm so strongly works 'em / That if you now beheld them, your affections / Would become tender." — Ariel, Act 5 Scene 1

Prospero replies: "Dost thou think so, spirit?" Ariel: "Mine would, sir, were I human."

This is a crucial moment: a non-human spirit teaches a human being about compassion. It is Ariel's words that prompt Prospero's decision.