‘The supernatural elements of the play develop its theme of reconciliation.’
‘The Tempest’ written in 1611 by William Shakespeare is largely dependent on the use of
the supernatural and this theme plays a prevalent role in the development of the play as a
whole and a significant part In the reconciliation of Prospero, the protagonist. The
supernatural elements within the play are significant in the development of the
reconciliation, however, the feminist influence of Miranda and the influence of the
unnamed island itself also have a role to play. Over time, interpretations of ‘The Tempest’
have differed and this is the reason for the differential elements that play a role in the
development of the theme of reconciliation.
The supernatural elements of ‘The Tempest’ play a significant role in the development of
the theme of reconciliation. Ariel and Prospero play the most prominent parts in this
theme as they are the controllers and manipulators of the play. Within the play, Ariel acts
as Prospero’s controller and manipulator, he is ‘bound to service by nature’ (literary critic
Traversi). This is largely due to the concept of western imperialism, whereby people from
the western, more developed, world take on the role of the ‘controller’ over the uncivilised
new-world. Prospero takes on the role of the ‘conqueror’ whilst the native islanders take on
the role of the ‘conquered’. Ariel is the main supernatural element within ‘The Tempest’ he
causes the original ‘sea-storm’ which brings all the characters to the isle. His magic and
manipulation is key in the development of the theme of reconciliation. Literary critic Beck
argues that ‘when Ariel causes the tempest, he becomes the tempest, he is Prospero’s
conscious vengeance; his upset and his anger’. Ariel acting as Prospero’s ‘conscious
vengeance’ means that he is subject to the protagonist’s desires and wishes, driving the
supernatural element of the play as he is subject to subordination. He is governed by
Prospero, given names such as ‘my Ariel’ and ‘fine apparition’ further elucidating the control
of the western imperialist. Over time, the interpretation of Ariel as the driver for
reconciliation has changed due to the changing mindsets and ideologies. A modern-day
audience would see his marginalisation as slavery and not be satisfied with his treatment as
a character within the play. However, during the Jacobean era, subordination and
marginalisation because of origin was accepted as a norm. On assessment, the influence and
supernatural Ariel, is important in the development of the theme of reconciliation, without
his actions, ‘The Tempest’ would have never originally taken place.
The feminist influence within the play, driven by the character Miranda, also play an
equally significant role, as much as the supernatural, in the development of the theme of
reconciliation. Over time, this interpretation has played an increasingly important part of
the analysis of the play in its entirety. Miranda, the only speaking woman, within ‘The
Tempest’ acts as the drive for forgiveness. She is described as a ‘wonder’ and ‘nonpareil’ by
the men in the play whereby she uses her femininity to drive her father’s forgiveness of the
King’s Courtiers. A modern feminist would argue that, without her influence, the
reconciliation would not have taken place which elucidates the importance of female
influence in the construction of society. Without Miranda, the play would be fundamentally
masculine, hollow and bitter, whereby Prospero would have been left unchanged. Over
time, the importance of her influence has increased. In 2010, director Julie Taymor, created
a cinematic version of ‘The Tempest’ dominated by powerful women. The protagonist
Prospero was versioned as Prospera, showing the importance of femininity in a powerful
