Why is Prospero's breaking his magic staff and destroying his magic books so significant at the end of the play? What do these articles represent? By giving them up, what does he symbolically give up?
Prospero's breaking of the magic staff and destroying of the magic books symbolizes his giving up his magic. It also symbolizes him coming down to other human's levels, and not having that ability to make things go the way he wants them to go. The magic staff, the books, and the robe are representative of his magical powers and his higher status over other people. By giving up the items, he is giving up his magic and his ability to have things go his way, as we see him do earlier in the play. For instance, he creates the tempest so that he can fix the wrongs done to him long before, he confuses the nobles, and he keeps Caliban and Ariel under his control. The reader also sees him "giving up" these powers for a short period of time when he talks to Miranda, as he puts down his staff and books, as well as taking of his magical robe. The act of destroying these things is his way of showing that he is giving up his magic and letting fate do its thing by not interfering with it.
Prospero breaking his magic staff and destroying his magic books were very significant because it is a sign that he is forgiving all those who wronged him. The articles represent revenge, for he has used these magical objects to exact revenge on Alonso, Antonio, and the other man who were responsible for usurping his kingdom. The knowledge that comes from the books give him power- knowledge is power, and he is giving up his power over everyone including Ariel and Caliban. He is giving up his anger and grudges to forgive what they have done. It is also Shakespeare's last play, so it could also represent the end of his powers and influence that he got from writing the plays. Maybe, his transition from super, amazing, and idol play-write to normal member of society.
The breaking of Prospero's staff and the destruction of his books and robes are a pivotal point in the film. These objects appear throughout the film. In almost every seen that Prospero is in, either his staff, robes, or magical books make an appearance. The act of destroying these objects are pretty serious considering that Prospero is basically getting rid of a third of his life. When talking to Ferdinand he tells him that he's giving him (Ferdinand) a third of his life, that being his daughter. I can only imagine that another third of his life is magic. By destroying these things, Prospero takes away his ability to control everything. He stops being this somewhat of a supernatural figure, and chooses to become normal, or more human. This is the exact opposite of his original mindset, because it is he (Prospero) who caused The Tempest in the first place. Prospero is basically giving up his power by destroying his magical objects and thus destroying his persona of being an extremely powerful being, which makes it significant and relevant in the play and film.
It's Graham. Prospero giving up his magic parallels his forgiveness for his enemies. He has used magic all throughout the play to harass and enslave others and, in giving it up, shows how he is now more forgiving and compassionate. By giving them up, he is giving up Ariel and allowing him to go free. Also, he is giving up his enslavement of Caliban.
By giving up his staff and books, Prospero gives up his magic. By doing this he embraces the father figure for Miranda as they go to Italy for her to get married. Without his magic, he connect with her on a closer level and not be distracted. I also think that giving up his powers represents forgiveness. Now that he has worked out his issues and forgiven his brother, he has no more need for his powers. He also sets Ariel free by giving up his magic.
Prospero’s magic staff and his books represent his power. They gave him the power he was planning on using to make his brother and the other men who usurped his dukedom pay. The action of giving up his tools shows that he no longer puts as great a stock in them as he did before. The reason these implements are no longer as important to Prospero is because he has realized that revenge is easy and the harder thing to do when a person is wronged is to forgive. When he gets rid of his magical implements, the film shows that he has forgiven, or is in the process of trying to forgive his brother and the others who have wronged him.
When Prospero breaks his magic staff and destroys his magic books, he becomes more human and is able to forgive Antonio, Sebastian, etc. He no longer needs his magic to have power. He takes off his magic robe a few times during the play to talk to Miranda, and during those times he is able to love her and be a compassionate father instead of a ruler. At the end of the play, he is finally able to let go of his revengeful feelings.
This scene is also very important because it mirrors Shakespeare's life. Shakespeare's art was his writing; Prospero's art was his magic. The Tempest is the last play Shakespeare ever wrote, and in the last scene, Shakespeare is putting away his writing.
When Prospero destroys his magic staff and book near the end of the play, it symbolizes that Prospero is giving up a major occurrence in his life. It shows that Prospero is beginning a new stage in his life, a more caring, forgiving stage. With magic, Prospero seems not to be human and more of a magician. This act shows that he is starting to become humanly and give up the powers that had him on a pedestal for quite some time. He is also using this as a chance to be there for Miranda and connect with her closely. He wants to spend more time with Miranda as the day of her and Ferdinand's marriage comes near. Prospero is also freeing Ariel and Caliban with the relinquishing of these powers which is very significant.
By giving up his staff and destroying his magic books. Prospero is giving up his power. With them, he has no tools to exact his revenge on Antonio, Alonzo, Sebastian, or Caliban. He chooses to forgive all those who wronged him because by the end of the play he realizes that "the rarer action is in virtue than in vengeance." Prospero has come to understand that he is approaching the end of his life and by carrying out his revenge, he will have accomplished nothing. Life is too short. Prospero is symbolically giving up his grudge against the royals so he can enjoy the rest of his life as a human with Miranda and Ferdinand. Like in the beginning of the play, when Prospero asks Miranda to take off his mantle before they talk so he can connect with her more emotionally and become more human. By giving up his magical articles, Prospero is giving up the person he used to be so he can become a rarer happier human being.
His staff and books represent his magical power, which he gives up by destroying those items. This move proves further that he is at rest with himself and with the other nobles on the island. Since the theme of the play is forgiveness, Prospero relinquished his power because he feels that he no longer needs it to make peace with his former rivals. The only purpose that it served, after all was to bring the nobles to the island with the tempest. Yeah.
When Prospero breaks his staff and destroys his magic book, it is symbolic of him willingly giving up his power. When he was alone on the island for all those years, his magic was the only power he had. He had been stripped of all his original control, and now that he has destroyed his magic, he has no more great power. Also this puts him on the level of all the people with him. Before he could stop time and send Ariel to do whatever he needed and was able will the other men, but now he is just as powerful as his human companions. This is also forgiveness, in a way. He could have tortured them more and left them there like they left him, but he doesn’t. He doesn’t even make that a possibility by loosing all means of magic. Prospero destroys his magic and this destruction is a symbol of both forgiveness and humanizing himself.
When Prospero breaks his magic staff and all his spell books, we see that even after all that he is gone through in the past years he is still able to forgive those who betrayed him. His staff and spell books represented his raw power and magic and a symbol of revenge. Once he gave it up Shakespeare displays to the audience that even with all the betrayal it's a human institution ad natural trait to forgive. Also that when one forgives problems are solved.
Literally Prospero breaks his magic staff and destroys his magic books because he is giving up his magic, because they are what fuels his magical power. Symbolically, he is giving up his want of revenge, his hatred, and his grudges. The whole reason he uses his magic is to get revenge on Antonio, Sebastian, and Alonso, but when he realizes that he doesn’t want revenge anymore, he gives up his hatred through giving up his books. A huge theme of the Tempest is forgiveness, and through giving up his magic/giving up his hatred, Prospero forgives everyone. I think it’s also important that he breaks them and destroys them, to show that Prospero truly has changed and will not hold any grudges.
Prospero breaking his magical staff and getting rid if his books shows that he will be giving up his magic. The reader has seen him temporarily rid himself of his magic when he talks to Miranda and he appears to speak as another man. The Prospero without magic is simple and softer, appearing to be more of a commoner apposed to when he has his magic and he seems rougher. In a way, when Prospero has his magic, he has a guard up and can protect himself. Prospero can control situations and therefore he is put at an advantage over practically all other humans. His decision to permanently rid himself of his magical powers seems to be a thought out decision and although Prospero may be sad on the inside, he seems ready to make this change. It will lower Prospero's power over the other humans, even the playing field. He will now truly be able to consider the other men his equals.
Prospero is giving up his power by breaking his magic staff and destroying his magic books. He can no longer distort situations like he did with creating the tempest. Magic was his way of controlling the situation. Prospero's magic also distanced himself from Miranda. He was powerful and superior to others, but once he gives up his staff, he is much more relatable and fatherly. He is also letting go of a part of his old self-the part that detested the people that betrayed him. He is ready for a new life. He is symbolically forgiving everyone and ridding the grudges he once had. It's extremely important to forgive, and Prospero realizes that by the end. Forgiving is a very hard thing to do which makes the last part of the play all the more powerful.
Prospero breaks his staff then buries it and drowns his book in the ocean to symbolize him coming back to society from his magical affairs on the island. he wants to give it up to become a normal dad for Miranda, and to become a regular king again. not some magical witch doctor king who rules under his magical throne of lies. the articles which he detroys (the staff and book) are his gateway to the third kind (magic in this case) which cannot be normally accessed. these items provide the path which is a necessity to perform such talent and tricks as shown in said play. by giving up these articles, he thereby gives up his magic due to not being able to access it anymore. he is giving up his old life and is willing to move forward to progress society to the next step.
Prospero's decision to give up magic is very important. It symbolizes the change in his personality when he decides to forgive the people who have wronged him rather than taking vengeance on them. By breaking his staff and taking off his clothes, we see Prospero giving up his revenge driven life as a sorcerer and become human again. This is significant because since Prospero becomes human by giving up his need for vengeance, we can infer that Shakespeare considered the need for vengeance inhumane. Many people also believe that since this was Shakespeare's last play, he knew that this was it and he identified with Prospero while writing the play, thus explaining Prospero's unusual amount of control over the characters. Thus Prospero's release from his powers could be a metaphor for Shakespeare's release from being a famous author/playwright and like prospero, he would also be rejoining the world of ordinary men.
Prospero’s magic staff and his magic books represent his “art,” or his power to control and manipulate people and events to his biddings. When he breaks his magic staff and destroys his magic books, Prospero is symbolically giving up his control over the events around him and becoming on even grounds with every other human being. He is also breaking his control over the king and the rest of his royal band, which was vital for getting revenge on his brother. Prospero’s breaking of his magic staff and book also symbolizes his return and acceptance of his position as the proper Duke of Milan, because studying and learning magic and neglecting his duties gave his brother the chance to overthrow him. By giving up the magic he obtained through study, he can fully focus on the duties of his rightful position as the Duke of Milan.
It was significant when Prospero broke his magic staff and destroyed his books because it was his way of giving up his greater power. When he had his magic equipment, he could control the situation in his favor. An example of him manipulating the situation was when he developed the tempest, creating a shipwreck so that he could get vengeance on Antonio, Sebastian, and Alonso. Prospero’s precious articles made him more powerful and seem greater than the surrounding characters. Caliban and Ariel were his slaves and were much less powerful than him. At least when he had talked a touching talk with Miranda, he removed his special robes. In a sense, he was coming down to her level and connecting with her by removing his robes. By giving them up, it symbolizes his forgiveness towards all of the people that have plotted against him. He forgives everyone, but also thanks and appreciates the ones that have helped him through tough times. He is allowing life to continue on, while he takes his rightful place without using magic as an interference or an overpowering force.
By breaking his staff and destroying his books, Prospero was giving up his power as a sorcerer. When he was Duke of Milan twelve years prior, he became too occupied with his "art" to actually run his country. By relinquishing his magic, he is promising to be a better ruler for his subjects. Also, he is giving up is power over those around him. He brakes the spell he cast upon Alonso, Gonzalo, Sebastian, and Antonio as well as losing the control he once had over Caliban, Ariel, and even Miranda (as shown when he puts her to sleep in Act I.) Whenever he spoke to Miranda as a father, he took off his gauntlets and put down his staff. By giving them up completely, he shows his want to be more present in Miranda's life even though he is in someways losing her to Ferdinand. While his power as a magician was most definitely great, his willingness to give it all up shows his power as a human being.
Prospero's magic staff represented his magic, art, and power. By giving up all of these things he was releasing his power. This moment is a very large and pivotal situation in the plot, by doing this Prospero surrenders his art and surrenders his past personality. Prospero had previously kind of come off as tough and harsh. Yet, with this surrendering he admits that he wants to become a bigger part in his daughter's and now son in law's life. This whole act of surrendering his magic, he becomes slightly more human than wizard, a human with feelings. Finally while serving as the prior Duke of Milan Prospero was not able to properly rule his people, yet now he should be distraction free.
breaking his staff and getting rid of his magic book are symbols of him giving up his power over Ariel and his power over others. The breaking of his staff and destruction of his book are significant because he brings the play to a close and has him show forgiveness to those who wronged him. If he had kept his staff it would show the viewers that he doesn't trust the people he has forgive. Also by giving up magic he is making a commitment to become a better ruler and most of all a better father to Miranda. Without his book he is vowing to live a normal life and rule his kingdom to the best of his ability.
By breaking his staff and destroying his magic books, Prospero is giving up his magic powers and his life as a sorcerer and becoming a human. Prospero's destruction of his magical objects shows his forgiveness of the people on the island who have wronged him. Originally, he created the tempest via his magic powers to bring Alonso, Gonzalo, Antonio, Sebastian, etc. to the island so that he could seek his vengeance, but he concludes that it is better to be a forgiving person than a vengeful one, and decides not to get revenge on the people that stole his dukedom by relinquishing his magical powers. He also gets rid of his magical objects before he confronts them, so that Prospero can confront them as a human equal instead of a powerful sorcerer that can make them tremble at his feet.
Prospero's act of breaking his staff and throwing away his magic books are significant because they show he is giving up his magic. Prospero relies on his magic for his power for much of the play. He is able to command Ariel because he used his magic to save the sprite. Also, Prospero keeps Caliban in place by threatening to use his magic against him. He creates the tempest that strands the nobles. The articles represent the control he has over the island. He is giving up his power and announcing that he is done manipulating people with magic.
His actions show his growth as a character and living his life as 'Human.' He destroy's his magical powers and items in order to live a more human like life. It connects to Shakespeare very much as this was his last play signifying his connection with Prospero. People say his plays were so rich, beautiful and almost "magic." His last play was like him giving up his staff and Magic book.
Prospero's magic tools have given him an upper hand in survival while he was cast away, and by doing so he rose above the level of being simply human. However, to talk to the Tempest victims, Alonso, Antonio, Gonzolo, etc.., he must robe himself in that of his former life to be on their level so as not to have them fear him, but respect him as a peer. Another layer is that once he no longer must survive by controlling the elements as a sorcerer, but just as human, no longer must he wear the magical garments and staff.
The breaking of Prospero's staff was him giving up his magic. By giving up his magic, he becomes nothing more than just a normal human being. It is also a sign of forgiveness. He could use his magic for evil to get back at all who have done wrong against him, but instead, he hangs up his cloak. By giving up his powers, Prospero seems to want to have a better relationship with his daughter, Miranda. Before the end, Prospero would remove his magical clothes while talking to Miranda, but until the end, he would just not quite give up his powers for good. He didn't trust the surrounding people (other than Miranda) to be something of a normal human being -- one without magic. Giving up his powers also gives a sense of trust. One line that stuck out to me, both while reading the play and while watching in class, was in Act 5, Scene 1, Prospero says: "The rarer action is In virtue than in vengeance." This line sums up his giving up of his powers.
Prospero's breaking of his magic staff and destroying the magical book is important because it symbolizes the end of Prospero's magical abilities. Cutting off the magical abilities enables Prospero to come to a mortal position. Prospero used his staff to summon the tempist, through the tempist Prospero was able to plot his revenge against the people that supplanted him. Breaking of the magic staff would symbolize an end to the conflict with Sebastian, Antonio, and even Caliban. For Prospero, destroying his magical staff and book would mean forgiveness to all of his enemies. Also I think that Prospero's retirement also represented Shakespeare's retirement; Prospero's magical staff and book would be compared to as Shakespeare's pen and paper. Shakespeare would give up his position of a famous/talented play writer for a normal calming life
The breaking of his staff and destruction of his magic book symbolizes Prospero giving up his magic. It also is a step on giving up revenge. He uses his magic to summon the tempest that wrecks the nobles onto the the island. He then proceeds to use his magic to torment them endlessly. By giving up his magic he is also giving up his prusuit of revenge.Prospero has made up his mind that vengeance in not necessary and that forgiveness and virtue are man's rarest, but most important qualities.
Prospero gbrekas his staff and destroys his books, which means he won't have magical powers anymore. The reason why he gives his powers up is because everything is good. There is peace between everyone. Prospero doesn't need to control anyone or protect himself from anyone. This scene is also very important because to Pospero, giving up his magic is like giving up a third of his life. He is becoming more like a regular human. He no longer feels vengeance towards the people that tried to kill him and the Antonio who took his dukedom. Everyone is living in harmony.
Prospero breaks his staff and destroys his magic book because he has forgiven Antonio, Sebastian, Caliban and Alonso and it shows us that he is also getting rid of his magic. He shows us that vengeance or revenge isn't the most important thing and that he has obviously had a great change of heart. This should be a lesson for many and I really like this part of the movie/story. Prospero let's Ariel go free and he also just blessed his daughter to be married. I believe the life of Prospero is ending soon and he is just trying to go out on top.
Prospero's breaking of the magic staff and destroying of the magic books symbolizes his giving up his magic. It also symbolizes him coming down to other human's levels, and not having that ability to make things go the way he wants them to go. The magic staff, the books, and the robe are representative of his magical powers and his higher status over other people. By giving up the items, he is giving up his magic and his ability to have things go his way, as we see him do earlier in the play. For instance, he creates the tempest so that he can fix the wrongs done to him long before, he confuses the nobles, and he keeps Caliban and Ariel under his control. The reader also sees him "giving up" these powers for a short period of time when he talks to Miranda, as he puts down his staff and books, as well as taking of his magical robe. The act of destroying these things is his way of showing that he is giving up his magic and letting fate do its thing by not interfering with it.
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ReplyDeleteProspero breaking his magic staff and destroying his magic books were very significant because it is a sign that he is forgiving all those who wronged him. The articles represent revenge, for he has used these magical objects to exact revenge on Alonso, Antonio, and the other man who were responsible for usurping his kingdom. The knowledge that comes from the books give him power- knowledge is power, and he is giving up his power over everyone including Ariel and Caliban. He is giving up his anger and grudges to forgive what they have done. It is also Shakespeare's last play, so it could also represent the end of his powers and influence that he got from writing the plays. Maybe, his transition from super, amazing, and idol play-write to normal member of society.
ReplyDeleteThe breaking of Prospero's staff and the destruction of his books and robes are a pivotal point in the film. These objects appear throughout the film. In almost every seen that Prospero is in, either his staff, robes, or magical books make an appearance. The act of destroying these objects are pretty serious considering that Prospero is basically getting rid of a third of his life. When talking to Ferdinand he tells him that he's giving him (Ferdinand) a third of his life, that being his daughter. I can only imagine that another third of his life is magic. By destroying these things, Prospero takes away his ability to control everything. He stops being this somewhat of a supernatural figure, and chooses to become normal, or more human. This is the exact opposite of his original mindset, because it is he (Prospero) who caused The Tempest in the first place. Prospero is basically giving up his power by destroying his magical objects and thus destroying his persona of being an extremely powerful being, which makes it significant and relevant in the play and film.
ReplyDeleteIt's Graham. Prospero giving up his magic parallels his forgiveness for his enemies. He has used magic all throughout the play to harass and enslave others and, in giving it up, shows how he is now more forgiving and compassionate. By giving them up, he is giving up Ariel and allowing him to go free. Also, he is giving up his enslavement of Caliban.
ReplyDeleteBy giving up his staff and books, Prospero gives up his magic. By doing this he embraces the father figure for Miranda as they go to Italy for her to get married. Without his magic, he connect with her on a closer level and not be distracted. I also think that giving up his powers represents forgiveness. Now that he has worked out his issues and forgiven his brother, he has no more need for his powers. He also sets Ariel free by giving up his magic.
ReplyDeleteProspero’s magic staff and his books represent his power. They gave him the power he was planning on using to make his brother and the other men who usurped his dukedom pay. The action of giving up his tools shows that he no longer puts as great a stock in them as he did before. The reason these implements are no longer as important to Prospero is because he has realized that revenge is easy and the harder thing to do when a person is wronged is to forgive. When he gets rid of his magical implements, the film shows that he has forgiven, or is in the process of trying to forgive his brother and the others who have wronged him.
ReplyDeleteWhen Prospero breaks his magic staff and destroys his magic books, he becomes more human and is able to forgive Antonio, Sebastian, etc. He no longer needs his magic to have power. He takes off his magic robe a few times during the play to talk to Miranda, and during those times he is able to love her and be a compassionate father instead of a ruler. At the end of the play, he is finally able to let go of his revengeful feelings.
ReplyDeleteThis scene is also very important because it mirrors Shakespeare's life. Shakespeare's art was his writing; Prospero's art was his magic. The Tempest is the last play Shakespeare ever wrote, and in the last scene, Shakespeare is putting away his writing.
When Prospero destroys his magic staff and book near the end of the play, it symbolizes that Prospero is giving up a major occurrence in his life. It shows that Prospero is beginning a new stage in his life, a more caring, forgiving stage. With magic, Prospero seems not to be human and more of a magician. This act shows that he is starting to become humanly and give up the powers that had him on a pedestal for quite some time. He is also using this as a chance to be there for Miranda and connect with her closely. He wants to spend more time with Miranda as the day of her and Ferdinand's marriage comes near. Prospero is also freeing Ariel and Caliban with the relinquishing of these powers which is very significant.
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ReplyDeleteMeron Ferketa
ReplyDeleteBy giving up his staff and destroying his magic books. Prospero is giving up his power. With them, he has no tools to exact his revenge on Antonio, Alonzo, Sebastian, or Caliban. He chooses to forgive all those who wronged him because by the end of the play he realizes that "the rarer action is in virtue than in vengeance." Prospero has come to understand that he is approaching the end of his life and by carrying out his revenge, he will have accomplished nothing. Life is too short. Prospero is symbolically giving up his grudge against the royals so he can enjoy the rest of his life as a human with Miranda and Ferdinand. Like in the beginning of the play, when Prospero asks Miranda to take off his mantle before they talk so he can connect with her more emotionally and become more human. By giving up his magical articles, Prospero is giving up the person he used to be so he can become a rarer happier human being.
His staff and books represent his magical power, which he gives up by destroying those items. This move proves further that he is at rest with himself and with the other nobles on the island. Since the theme of the play is forgiveness, Prospero relinquished his power because he feels that he no longer needs it to make peace with his former rivals. The only purpose that it served, after all was to bring the nobles to the island with the tempest. Yeah.
ReplyDeleteWhen Prospero breaks his staff and destroys his magic book, it is symbolic of him willingly giving up his power. When he was alone on the island for all those years, his magic was the only power he had. He had been stripped of all his original control, and now that he has destroyed his magic, he has no more great power. Also this puts him on the level of all the people with him. Before he could stop time and send Ariel to do whatever he needed and was able will the other men, but now he is just as powerful as his human companions. This is also forgiveness, in a way. He could have tortured them more and left them there like they left him, but he doesn’t. He doesn’t even make that a possibility by loosing all means of magic. Prospero destroys his magic and this destruction is a symbol of both forgiveness and humanizing himself.
ReplyDeleteWhen Prospero breaks his magic staff and all his spell books, we see that even after all that he is gone through in the past years he is still able to forgive those who betrayed him. His staff and spell books represented his raw power and magic and a symbol of revenge. Once he gave it up Shakespeare displays to the audience that even with all the betrayal it's a human institution ad natural trait to forgive. Also that when one forgives problems are solved.
ReplyDeleteLiterally Prospero breaks his magic staff and destroys his magic books because he is giving up his magic, because they are what fuels his magical power. Symbolically, he is giving up his want of revenge, his hatred, and his grudges. The whole reason he uses his magic is to get revenge on Antonio, Sebastian, and Alonso, but when he realizes that he doesn’t want revenge anymore, he gives up his hatred through giving up his books. A huge theme of the Tempest is forgiveness, and through giving up his magic/giving up his hatred, Prospero forgives everyone. I think it’s also important that he breaks them and destroys them, to show that Prospero truly has changed and will not hold any grudges.
ReplyDeleteProspero breaking his magical staff and getting rid if his books shows that he will be giving up his magic. The reader has seen him temporarily rid himself of his magic when he talks to Miranda and he appears to speak as another man. The Prospero without magic is simple and softer, appearing to be more of a commoner apposed to when he has his magic and he seems rougher. In a way, when Prospero has his magic, he has a guard up and can protect himself. Prospero can control situations and therefore he is put at an advantage over practically all other humans. His decision to permanently rid himself of his magical powers seems to be a thought out decision and although Prospero may be sad on the inside, he seems ready to make this change. It will lower Prospero's power over the other humans, even the playing field. He will now truly be able to consider the other men his equals.
ReplyDeleteProspero is giving up his power by breaking his magic staff and destroying his magic books. He can no longer distort situations like he did with creating the tempest. Magic was his way of controlling the situation. Prospero's magic also distanced himself from Miranda. He was powerful and superior to others, but once he gives up his staff, he is much more relatable and fatherly. He is also letting go of a part of his old self-the part that detested the people that betrayed him. He is ready for a new life. He is symbolically forgiving everyone and ridding the grudges he once had. It's extremely important to forgive, and Prospero realizes that by the end. Forgiving is a very hard thing to do which makes the last part of the play all the more powerful.
ReplyDeleteProspero breaks his staff then buries it and drowns his book in the ocean to symbolize him coming back to society from his magical affairs on the island. he wants to give it up to become a normal dad for Miranda, and to become a regular king again. not some magical witch doctor king who rules under his magical throne of lies. the articles which he detroys (the staff and book) are his gateway to the third kind (magic in this case) which cannot be normally accessed. these items provide the path which is a necessity to perform such talent and tricks as shown in said play.
ReplyDeleteby giving up these articles, he thereby gives up his magic due to not being able to access it anymore. he is giving up his old life and is willing to move forward to progress society to the next step.
~.~
ReplyDeleteProspero's decision to give up magic is very important. It symbolizes the change in his personality when he decides to forgive the people who have wronged him rather than taking vengeance on them. By breaking his staff and taking off his clothes, we see Prospero giving up his revenge driven life as a sorcerer and become human again. This is significant because since Prospero becomes human by giving up his need for vengeance, we can infer that Shakespeare considered the need for vengeance inhumane. Many people also believe that since this was Shakespeare's last play, he knew that this was it and he identified with Prospero while writing the play, thus explaining Prospero's unusual amount of control over the characters. Thus Prospero's release from his powers could be a metaphor for Shakespeare's release from being a famous author/playwright and like prospero, he would also be rejoining the world of ordinary men.
ReplyDeleteProspero’s magic staff and his magic books represent his “art,” or his power to control and manipulate people and events to his biddings. When he breaks his magic staff and destroys his magic books, Prospero is symbolically giving up his control over the events around him and becoming on even grounds with every other human being. He is also breaking his control over the king and the rest of his royal band, which was vital for getting revenge on his brother. Prospero’s breaking of his magic staff and book also symbolizes his return and acceptance of his position as the proper Duke of Milan, because studying and learning magic and neglecting his duties gave his brother the chance to overthrow him. By giving up the magic he obtained through study, he can fully focus on the duties of his rightful position as the Duke of Milan.
ReplyDeleteIt was significant when Prospero broke his magic staff and destroyed his books because it was his way of giving up his greater power. When he had his magic equipment, he could control the situation in his favor. An example of him manipulating the situation was when he developed the tempest, creating a shipwreck so that he could get vengeance on Antonio, Sebastian, and Alonso. Prospero’s precious articles made him more powerful and seem greater than the surrounding characters. Caliban and Ariel were his slaves and were much less powerful than him. At least when he had talked a touching talk with Miranda, he removed his special robes. In a sense, he was coming down to her level and connecting with her by removing his robes. By giving them up, it symbolizes his forgiveness towards all of the people that have plotted against him. He forgives everyone, but also thanks and appreciates the ones that have helped him through tough times. He is allowing life to continue on, while he takes his rightful place without using magic as an interference or an overpowering force.
ReplyDeleteBy breaking his staff and destroying his books, Prospero was giving up his power as a sorcerer. When he was Duke of Milan twelve years prior, he became too occupied with his "art" to actually run his country. By relinquishing his magic, he is promising to be a better ruler for his subjects. Also, he is giving up is power over those around him. He brakes the spell he cast upon Alonso, Gonzalo, Sebastian, and Antonio as well as losing the control he once had over Caliban, Ariel, and even Miranda (as shown when he puts her to sleep in Act I.) Whenever he spoke to Miranda as a father, he took off his gauntlets and put down his staff. By giving them up completely, he shows his want to be more present in Miranda's life even though he is in someways losing her to Ferdinand. While his power as a magician was most definitely great, his willingness to give it all up shows his power as a human being.
ReplyDeleteProspero's magic staff represented his magic, art, and power. By giving up all of these things he was releasing his power. This moment is a very large and pivotal situation in the plot, by doing this Prospero surrenders his art and surrenders his past personality. Prospero had previously kind of come off as tough and harsh. Yet, with this surrendering he admits that he wants to become a bigger part in his daughter's and now son in law's life. This whole act of surrendering his magic, he becomes slightly more human than wizard, a human with feelings. Finally while serving as the prior Duke of Milan Prospero was not able to properly rule his people, yet now he should be distraction free.
ReplyDeletebreaking his staff and getting rid of his magic book are symbols of him giving up his power over Ariel and his power over others. The breaking of his staff and destruction of his book are significant because he brings the play to a close and has him show forgiveness to those who wronged him. If he had kept his staff it would show the viewers that he doesn't trust the people he has forgive. Also by giving up magic he is making a commitment to become a better ruler and most of all a better father to Miranda. Without his book he is vowing to live a normal life and rule his kingdom to the best of his ability.
ReplyDeleteBy breaking his staff and destroying his magic books, Prospero is giving up his magic powers and his life as a sorcerer and becoming a human. Prospero's destruction of his magical objects shows his forgiveness of the people on the island who have wronged him. Originally, he created the tempest via his magic powers to bring Alonso, Gonzalo, Antonio, Sebastian, etc. to the island so that he could seek his vengeance, but he concludes that it is better to be a forgiving person than a vengeful one, and decides not to get revenge on the people that stole his dukedom by relinquishing his magical powers. He also gets rid of his magical objects before he confronts them, so that Prospero can confront them as a human equal instead of a powerful sorcerer that can make them tremble at his feet.
ReplyDeleteProspero's act of breaking his staff and throwing away his magic books are significant because they show he is giving up his magic. Prospero relies on his magic for his power for much of the play. He is able to command Ariel because he used his magic to save the sprite. Also, Prospero keeps Caliban in place by threatening to use his magic against him. He creates the tempest that strands the nobles. The articles represent the control he has over the island. He is giving up his power and announcing that he is done manipulating people with magic.
ReplyDeleteHis actions show his growth as a character and living his life as 'Human.' He destroy's his magical powers and items in order to live a more human like life. It connects to Shakespeare very much as this was his last play signifying his connection with Prospero. People say his plays were so rich, beautiful and almost "magic." His last play was like him giving up his staff and Magic book.
ReplyDeleteProspero's magic tools have given him an upper hand in survival while he was cast away, and by doing so he rose above the level of being simply human. However, to talk to the Tempest victims, Alonso, Antonio, Gonzolo, etc.., he must robe himself in that of his former life to be on their level so as not to have them fear him, but respect him as a peer. Another layer is that once he no longer must survive by controlling the elements as a sorcerer, but just as human, no longer must he wear the magical garments and staff.
ReplyDeleteThe breaking of Prospero's staff was him giving up his magic. By giving up his magic, he becomes nothing more than just a normal human being. It is also a sign of forgiveness. He could use his magic for evil to get back at all who have done wrong against him, but instead, he hangs up his cloak. By giving up his powers, Prospero seems to want to have a better relationship with his daughter, Miranda. Before the end, Prospero would remove his magical clothes while talking to Miranda, but until the end, he would just not quite give up his powers for good. He didn't trust the surrounding people (other than Miranda) to be something of a normal human being -- one without magic. Giving up his powers also gives a sense of trust. One line that stuck out to me, both while reading the play and while watching in class, was in Act 5, Scene 1, Prospero says: "The rarer action is
ReplyDeleteIn virtue than in vengeance." This line sums up his giving up of his powers.
Prospero's breaking of his magic staff and destroying the magical book is important because it symbolizes the end of Prospero's magical abilities. Cutting off the magical abilities enables Prospero to come to a mortal position. Prospero used his staff to summon the tempist, through the tempist Prospero was able to plot his revenge against the people that supplanted him. Breaking of the magic staff would symbolize an end to the conflict with Sebastian, Antonio, and even Caliban. For Prospero, destroying his magical staff and book would mean forgiveness to all of his enemies. Also I think that Prospero's retirement also represented Shakespeare's retirement; Prospero's magical staff and book would be compared to as Shakespeare's pen and paper. Shakespeare would give up his position of a famous/talented play writer for a normal calming life
ReplyDeleteThe breaking of his staff and destruction of his magic book symbolizes Prospero giving up his magic. It also is a step on giving up revenge. He uses his magic to summon the tempest that wrecks the nobles onto the the island. He then proceeds to use his magic to torment them endlessly. By giving up his magic he is also giving up his prusuit of revenge.Prospero has made up his mind that vengeance in not necessary and that forgiveness and virtue are man's rarest, but most important qualities.
ReplyDeleteProspero gbrekas his staff and destroys his books, which means he won't have magical powers anymore. The reason why he gives his powers up is because everything is good. There is peace between everyone. Prospero doesn't need to control anyone or protect himself from anyone. This scene is also very important because to Pospero, giving up his magic is like giving up a third of his life. He is becoming more like a regular human. He no longer feels vengeance towards the people that tried to kill him and the Antonio who took his dukedom. Everyone is living in harmony.
ReplyDeleteProspero breaks his staff and destroys his magic book because he has forgiven Antonio, Sebastian, Caliban and Alonso and it shows us that he is also getting rid of his magic. He shows us that vengeance or revenge isn't the most important thing and that he has obviously had a great change of heart. This should be a lesson for many and I really like this part of the movie/story. Prospero let's Ariel go free and he also just blessed his daughter to be married. I believe the life of Prospero is ending soon and he is just trying to go out on top.
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