Authority and Justice: Moral Ambugyuity

Those with more power often let corruption or personal intentions frequently lose their sense of morality in the name of authority.

Connect to person:

Prospero and Alonso have fought over power and will/ already made decisions using their power, which impacted others.

Quote:

"Thou art inclined to sleep." (Shakespeare 1.220).

Reasoning:

Prospero used his powers to willfully put his daughter to sleep without her knowing in a manipulative tactic. While this didn't cause harm per se, is this a responsible use of his power? Examining how those in power must navigate their responsibilities, balancing control with ethical decision-making.

The Power of Narrative can be seen not only in political and social situations today but also in everyday life throughout human history.

Knowledge and Wisdom are often compared, yet they often have different uses.

Explanation:

Fernando has strenuous chores and tasks that Prospero has inflicted on him. Still, rather than complaining and moping around, he says that since his labors are to gain the favor of Miranda, then they are no longer painful but instead pleasurable.

Theme:

This connects to the theme of the power of narrative, which can be seen not only in political and social situations today but also in everyday life throughout human history because since he has a positive perspective and views these tasks as a positive obstacle, it allows him to take pleasure in his activities rather than be miserable.

Theme Statement:

Situations in life can be full of trials and hardships, yet if you change your perspective, you can often change the outcomes of these; even if it feels impossible at the moment, changing your perspective can have a positive impact.

"Hast thou not dropped from heaven?

Out o’ th’ moon, I do assure thee. I was the

man i’ th’ moon when time was." (Shakespear 2.142-144)

Theme connection:

The theme of knowledge in The Tempest can be seen in this scene since Stephano uses Caliban's lack of knowledge to deceive him into thinking of him as a higher being and, more specifically, the man on the moon. Since Caliban doesn't know any better, he takes this lie as proof that Stephano is trustworthy and should be followed.

Theme statement:

Knowledge can be helpful and beneficial except when, in the wrong hands, it can used to harm or manipulate others.