Part B: Prospero as a father Flashcards
At his core, Prospero is a caring father figure
Traditional view
Prospero is a loving father who cares for Miranda
Critic to support traditional view
“Propsero’s magic is directed towards the betterment and reconcilliation of those around him” (Ryan)
- He uses his power to benefit Miranda and reflects Jacobean values of how women were viewed
Moment to support traditional view
Before Ferdinand and Miranda got married
- “Have given you here a third of mine own life”
- He views Miranda as a key part of his life
- Loving father
- Hard to say goodbye to something he values so much
Two productions that support traditional view
Nancy Meckler:
- Miranda and Caliban were enthusiastically embracing and only prevented by Prospero from continuing
- He wants to protect Miranda from someone he views as monsterous
2013 Globe:
- Roger Allam potrays Prospero as a father who uses his power to help protect Miranda
- Older audiences would have also believed this
- Juxstaposes the popular modern view
Modern view
Prospero is overprotective and too involved in Miranda’s life
Two critics to support the modern view
“Prospero is arraigned for an obsessive desire to control [Miranda’s] sexuality” (Lindly)
- He wants to be in control of her and keep her innocent and virtuous image and does not care about her actual protection
“Prospero surrenders to Ferdinand the pleasure of possessing Miranda” (Sundelson)
- Objectifying her
Moment to support modern view
Before Miranda and Ferdinand get married:
- “I ratify this my rich gift”
- He views her as an object that can be given away and he is in absolute control of her
- “Purchase”
What is a production that supports the modern view
Dryden and Davedent adaptation:
- Kept ignorant by Prospero
- Wants to control her so conceals this knowledge
