Prospero in Act 1, Scene 2

In this scene, Prospero acts like a playwright (similar to Shakespeare's self), and he is theatrical. He sets up and controls the dialogue between Ferdinand and Miranda. 

There are a few possible theories of Prospero's character in this scene:

1. Prospero could be a reflection of Shakespeare himself - as this is his last play, this could be him saying goodbye to himself and letting in the next generation (links to Prospero's reflection at the end of the play.)
2. Shakespeare uses his character to comment on James I as king... He uses the phrase 'upon this island as a spy', and this could reflect James I attitude, down to the Gun Powder plot attempt. Also, the king loved art and the use of music could potentially be Shakespeare trying to flatter the king; making his plays appealing. Shakespeare could be saying that authority is erratic and theatrical and it's always changing. Power is all a show; it is just an attempt to scare people, but it desires union and redemption. However, as Shakespeare was writing for the king, he could not directly chastise his power.

Quote(s):

• 'The fringed curtains of thine eye advance.' - Prospero is setting up what Miranda sees and what she says, he is setting the scene and opening the play-like conversation.
• 'It goes on, I see...' - This reveals his control on the scene, he says this to himself and the audience, like he knows how the scene is going to unfold between the potential lovers.
• 'O you wonder...' - This is Ferdinand's reference to Miranda, this foreshadows her as a thing he is going to admire (it shows they are made for each other), even though he doesn't know her name at this point.
• 'At the first sight they have changed eyes.' - Again, Prospero isn't talking to anyone in particular, manipulating the scene.
• '...one word more. I change thee... [Aside]' - Prospero is trying to act like the angry father to increase Miranda's worth by making her hard to get, and to test Ferdinand's worth of his daughter (push to him to the absolute limit.)
• 'Ferdinand draws his sword, and is charmed from moving.' - He cannot overcome Prospero's power, he is too powerful for mankind, god like figure.
• 'Come on, obey.' - This is an imperative, presents strictness, however, this is not Prospero's real self, he is acting as someone else.
• 'Aside.' - He is telling the story, establishing truth, he knows how the story is going play out over time.

The way in which Prospero speaks aside and says his plan is working, and then speaks to different characters telling them what to do, it is very theatrical and humorous. Prospero has power over the characters, but he wants the couple to be together (testing Ferdinand's loyalty), and it eventually happens, as if Prospero knew it all along.