Analyze how the theme of Providence is developed to restore the social order and reconcile the conflicting individuals. Notice how often in the first two Acts of The Tempest that the "natural...
Analyze how the theme of Providence is developed to restore the social order and reconcile the conflicting individuals.
Notice how often in the first two Acts of The Tempest that the "natural order" of things is disrupted. Nature is in disorder during the storm, and the human society is in disorder because a rightful ruler has been overthrown.
1 Answer
teachertaylor | High School Teacher | (Level 3) Senior Educator
The theme of providence is developed throughout The Tempest through cycles of destruction and creation. As stated above, the order of both nature and government is upset by the storm and by Antonio's taking reign away from his brother Prospero. Once Prospero arrives on the island, he shifts the natural order of the island by taking Ariel and Caliban as his unwilling servants. However, as the play continues, these cycles begin to reverse themselves, and this reversal is most evident in the marriage of Ferdinand and Miranda. Ariel and the other spirits preside over the wedding ceremony, and the marriage is thus a natural union. Later, Prospero creates the magical circle in which the crimes of the past are revealed. At this point, the characters repent and social order is restored. Prospero sets Ariel free so that things can return to normal.