Analyzing Prospero

In the final scene of The Tempest, Prospero shows that he finally learns forgiveness and empathy for those who are trapped on his island. In the first few lines of the scene, Prospero acknowledges his promise to Ariel and announce that he will free Ariel right away.  This behavior contrasts with the way Prospero treats Ariel earlier in the play; when Ariel asks Prospero for freedom in Act I, Prospero questions Ariel’s gratitude and guilt-trips Ariel into continuing to serve him.  Now, Prospero acknowledges that Ariel has done his work diligently and at last deserves his freedom.  Prospero also mentions to Ariel that, just as Ariel’s “affections / Would become tender” for the noblemen wandering the island, so too would Prospero’s own affections (V.1.23-27).  Prospero is no longer filled with rage and vengeance toward his brother, but instead he realizes that it is time to forgive Antonio and return to Milan with him.  Prospero solidifies this conclusion by breaking his staff, representing an end to the major agent of separation between Prospero and the civilized society that he hopes to rejoin.