The Tempest for Miranda Examining Prospero's Motivation to Retribution and Mercy

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Title:	The Tempest for Miranda Examining Prospero's Motivation to Retribution and Mercy
Authors:	胡迪
Contributors:	中國文化大學
Date:	1998-07-01
Issue Date:	2012-05-11 13:06:16 (UTC+8)
Abstract:	許多現代有關莎士比亞最後一劇「暴風雨」之評論多半集中在劇中乖戾、跋扈的主角人物波斯比若(Prospero)身上。後殖民與女性主義之評論尤然。他們直指波斯比若爲企圖主宰一切的魔術師。波斯比若之征服慾爲其行爲之動機根源，其使得波斯比若終於重獲政治權力。本文持不同之論點，以爲波斯比若之行爲係出於保護其摯愛、天真無邪的女兒米蘭達(Miranda)免受險惡世事的傷害。米蘭達面對重重危機，有來自米蘭尼斯(Milanese)宮廷的政治陰謀，與加利班人(Caliban)的殘暴本性，因此唯有藉由完全的掌控，波斯比若才能爲其女兒建構安全的生活環境。波斯比若的這股動機說明瞭劇中那般對待宮中敵人與殘暴之加利班人的行爲，並能洗刷他被冠以乖戾、跋扈而且不值得人同情的污名。 A good deal of modem criticism regarding Shakespeare's final drama, The Tempest, focuses upon the seemingly cantankerous and domineering personality of the play's chief protagonist, Prospero. This is especially true of postcolonial and feminist critiques, which suggest that Prospero is a magician intent on control. The need to conquer is seen as the motivating factor behind the character's actions, resulting in his regaining his political power. This paper takes a somewhat different stance, and argues that Prospero's actions are motivated by a desire to protect his beloved and innocent daughter, Miranda, from the harsh realities and possible ravages of the world. The dangers for Miranda seem to come from every front, whether they be the political machinations of the Milanese court or the brutish nature of the native Caliban, and only through assumption of complete control can Prospero build a safe environment for his child. This motivational drive serves to explain Prospero's actions toward both his courtly adversaries and the lowly Caliban, and removes from the magician the disturbing tarnish of being labeled as a cantankerous old man unworthy of praise or sympathy.
Relation:	華岡英語學報 4期 P.3-18
Appears in Collections:	[Department of English Language and Literature ] Hwa Kang English Journal

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