In The Tempest, William Shakespeare shows how Prospero magic and manipulations prompt other people to re-evaluate their values, attitudes, and world views. This paper is aimed at discussing the way in which Ferdinand develops a new perception of his inner world. Overall, it is possible to argue that he begins to appreciate love since this feeling has not been familiar to him. In particular, he understands that love implies responsibility and willingness to make sacrifices for another person. More importantly, Ferdinand understands that he is capable of such actions. This is the main thesis that should be examined more closely. His transformation can be illustrated by looking at Ferdinand’s relations with Miranda. Moreover, one should discuss his response to situation when he is separated from his father and friends.
Ferdinand begins to lose his identity at the time, when he is separated from his father and friends by Ariel. The author does not let readers see his experiences during the storm because he does not participate in the conversation with other people. One can say that Prospero’s manipulations reveal the light-heartedness of this character and his inability to take responsibility for his words and actions. For instance, Ferdinand promises to make Miranda “the queen of Naples” and it does not even occur to him that he may not be able to fulfill his promise (Shakespeare 45). Moreover, he is quick to forget that his father could have perished. To a great extent, these examples indicate that Ferdinand is a flippant person who is driven by the desire or last, rather than by love and responsibility.
Nevertheless, the encounter with Miranda transforms Ferdinand’s outlook since he understand that there is a person who he can love. Furthermore, he discovers that this feeling has not been familiar to him. The following quote can throw light on his experiences:
“Full many a lady
I have eyed with best regard and many a time
The harmony of their tongues hath into bondage
Brought my too diligent ear: for several virtues
Have I liked several women; never any
With so full soul, but some defect in her
Did quarrel with the noblest grace she owed” (Shakespeare 93).
To a great extent, this experience has a transformative effect on this character since he learns that there are some feelings that he did not know before. This is one of the main aspects that can be identified.
More importantly, Ferdinand understands that he should make sacrifices for the woman he loves. This is the main change that he undergoes. For instance, Prospero forces him to haul wood, but Ferdinand finds this activity very pleasant because it is for the benefit of Miranda. Later, he assumes an obligation to arrange a formal marriage with Miranda (Shakespeare 121). In this way, Ferdinand shows that he is willing to take responsibility for his actions. This is one of the main aspects can be identified. To a great extent, this character plays an important role in this play. By looking at his behavior, Shakespeare shows how a person can acquire a new understanding of love. Ferdinand discovers that he can be dedicated to the needs of another person.
Thus, Ferdinand’s experiences on the island transform many of his attitudes and worldviews. In particular, he discovers that he can be fully devoted to another person. Prospero’s magic and trick make him discover such a feeling as love. By looking at his relations with Miranda, Shakespeare shows how this person reveals his true self. This is why the role of this character should not be overlooked.
Works Cited
Shakespeare, William. The Tempest, New York: Simon & Schuster, 2004. Print.