What events cause Prospero to reveal his past to Miranda? (2019, 2016) ✪✪✪
In “The Tempest” (1623), William Shakespeare (1564–1616) shows Prospero as a wise ruler and loving father. He creates a great storm by magic. Miranda feels pity for the people. So, Prospero decides to tell Miranda the truth about his past life, his enemies, and their coming to the island.
The Tempest and Miranda’s Fear: The play begins with a violent storm at sea. Prospero has raised it by magic through Ariel. The ship carries his enemies, Alonso, Antonio, and Sebastian. Miranda sees the storm and becomes full of pity. She cries for the people on the ship. Her innocent fear and pity touch Prospero’s heart. To calm her, he says,
“Tell your piteous heart,
There’s no harm done.”
This is the moment when Prospero feels that Miranda must know the truth of who she is and why they live on the island.
The Right Time to Tell the Truth:
yle="font-weight: 400;">Prospero realizes that this storm will bring all his enemies to the island. It is the beginning of justice. He knows that Miranda is now grown up and must understand her past. He says,
“The hour’s now come.”
These words show that the time has arrived for truth and revelation. The storm is not only in nature but also in memory.
The Story of Betrayal and Exile: Prospero then tells Miranda how he was once the Duke of Milan. His brother, Antonio, with King Alonso of Naples, betrayed him. They sent him and baby Miranda to the sea in a small boat. He says,
“My brother, and thy uncle, call’d Antonio—
He whom next thyself
Of all the world I loved.”
This confession shows his pain and love. He wants Miranda to know the cause of their exile and his plan to forgive them.
Thus, Prospero reveals his past because the storm brings his enemies near, Miranda’s fear awakens his heart, and the time for truth has come. The tempest outside becomes a tempest of memory inside him.
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