What is the Role of the Supernatural in The Tempest?

In William Shakespeare's enchanting play, "The Tempest," the supernatural realm plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative, characters, themes, and resolution. This article delves into the significance of the supernatural elements in the play, exploring their contributions to the overall impact and meaning of the story.

The Supernatural In "The Tempest"

Defining The Supernatural

The supernatural in "The Tempest" encompasses a vast array of otherworldly phenomena, including magic, spells, spirits, fairies, enchanted objects, prophecies, visions, and divine intervention. These elements transcend the boundaries of the natural world, introducing an ethereal dimension that intertwines with the lives of the characters.

Supernatural Elements In The Play

• Magic and Spells: Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan, wields powerful magic, employing spells to control the elements, summon spirits, and manipulate events.
• Spirits and Fairies: Ariel, a mischievous spirit, serves Prospero faithfully, carrying out his commands and executing his magical designs.
• Enchanted Objects: The play features enchanted objects, such as Prospero's magic staff and the magical book that contains his spells.
• Prophecies and Visions: Prophetic dreams and visions foreshadow events and guide the characters' actions.
• Divine Intervention: The play suggests the presence of a higher power, as Prospero invokes the gods and seeks their favor.

The Role Of The Supernatural In The Play's Themes

The supernatural elements in "The Tempest" play a crucial role in conveying the play's central themes:

Revenge And Forgiveness

Prospero's use of magic to enact revenge on his enemies is a key plot element. However, the play ultimately emphasizes the power of forgiveness and reconciliation, as Prospero eventually chooses to pardon his foes.

Love And Reconciliation

The supernatural forces facilitate the love story between Ferdinand and Miranda, overcoming obstacles and fostering their connection. The play explores the transformative power of love in healing wounds and bringing about reconciliation.

Power And Control

Prospero's mastery of magic grants him immense power, yet he ultimately relinquishes this control, recognizing the destructive potential of unchecked power.

Nature And The Elements

The supernatural elements in the play are closely tied to nature and the elements. Prospero's magic manipulates storms, spirits, and natural forces, highlighting the interconnectedness of the natural and supernatural realms.

Illusion And Reality

The play blurs the lines between illusion and reality, as characters experience visions, spells, and transformations. This ambiguity challenges the characters' perceptions and forces them to question the nature of their experiences.

The Supernatural And The Characters

The supernatural elements in "The Tempest" profoundly impact the characters and their relationships:

Prospero

Prospero's magical abilities and his relationship with Ariel and Caliban are central to his character arc. His use of magic reflects his desire for control and revenge, but he ultimately learns to wield his power responsibly.

Miranda

Miranda's innocence and connection to nature are juxtaposed against the supernatural forces at play. Her encounter with Ferdinand sparks a love that transcends the boundaries of the natural and supernatural realms.

Caliban

Caliban's resentment of Prospero and his desire for freedom are shaped by the supernatural elements in the play. His relationship with Prospero is a complex interplay of power, oppression, and the struggle for autonomy.

Ariel

Ariel's loyalty to Prospero and his desire for freedom drive his actions throughout the play. His supernatural abilities and his interactions with Prospero explore themes of servitude, obedience, and the boundaries of freedom.

Ferdinand And Miranda

The love between Ferdinand and Miranda is facilitated by the supernatural forces in the play. Their relationship symbolizes the transformative power of love in overcoming obstacles and fostering reconciliation.

The Supernatural And The Setting

The supernatural elements in "The Tempest" contribute significantly to the play's setting:

The Enchanted Island

The island itself is a supernatural realm, imbued with magic and mystery. Its enchanted nature provides the backdrop for the play's events and shapes the characters' experiences.

The Tempest

The tempest that engulfs the island is a manifestation of Prospero's magic. It serves as a symbol of his power and his desire to control the forces of nature.

The Cave

Prospero's cave is a liminal space, a meeting ground between the natural and supernatural realms. It is here that Prospero orchestrates his magical schemes and wields his power.

The Shipwreck

The shipwreck that brings Ferdinand and his companions to the island is a supernatural event, engineered by Prospero to set his plan in motion.

The Supernatural And The Resolution Of The Play

The supernatural elements in "The Tempest" play a crucial role in the resolution of the play:

Prospero's Decision To Forgive

Prospero's decision to forgive his enemies is a pivotal moment in the play. This act of mercy and reconciliation is facilitated by the supernatural forces that have shaped the narrative.

The Reconciliation Of Prospero And Caliban

The reconciliation between Prospero and Caliban is a symbolic resolution of the power struggle between them. This reconciliation is made possible by Prospero's newfound understanding of the destructive potential of unchecked power.

The Marriage Of Ferdinand And Miranda

The marriage of Ferdinand and Miranda symbolizes the union of the natural and supernatural realms. Their love story is a testament to the transformative power of love in overcoming obstacles and fostering harmony.

The Return To Order And Harmony

The resolution of the play sees a return to order and harmony, as Prospero relinquishes his magic and the supernatural forces recede. This restoration of balance marks the end of the play's conflicts and the beginning of a new era of peace and reconciliation.

The supernatural elements in "The Tempest" are integral to the play's themes, characters, setting, and resolution. They create a rich tapestry of magic, mystery, and wonder, enhancing the play's emotional impact and philosophical depth. The supernatural realm in "The Tempest" serves as a mirror to the human world, reflecting our own struggles with power, love, forgiveness, and the search for harmony.