What prompts Prospero's decision to renounce magic In The Tempest William Shakespeare shows Prospero as a great magician He rules a lonely island with Miranda Ariel and Caliban His magic gives him power But in the end Prospero gives it up for peace love and forgiveness Ariel s Words Awaken Prospero s Humanity Prospero uses his magic to punish his enemies Alonso Antonio and Sebastian They once took his dukedom His spirit Ariel helps him in this plan But Ariel sees their pain He feels pity and says Mine would sir were I human These words touch Prospero s heart He remembers that mercy is greater than power He decides to forgive and not to harm anyone This moment changes him deeply He feels human again Alonso s Repentance and Forgiveness Prospero meets Alonso Alonso is the King of Naples Prospero sees true repentance in him Alonso asks for pardon