Character Usurped As Duke Of Milan In The Tempest
In William Shakespeare’s play The Tempest, Prospero is the character who was usurped as the Duke of Milan. Prospero, a learned and powerful magician, was once the rightful ruler of Milan. However, his brother Antonio, driven by ambition and greed, conspired against him to seize the dukedom. With the help of Alonso, the King of Naples, Antonio orchestrated Prospero’s removal from power, forcing him and his infant daughter Miranda into exile.
How Prospero Was Usurped
Prospero’s downfall was a result of his deep involvement in his studies of magic and philosophy, which led him to neglect his political duties. Antonio took advantage of this, gradually gaining control of the government and conspiring with Alonso to overthrow Prospero. The betrayal was executed with precision: Prospero and Miranda were cast adrift at sea in a decrepit boat, left to perish. However, they survived and eventually found refuge on a remote island, where Prospero’s story of revenge and redemption unfolds.
The Impact of Usurpation
The usurpation of Prospero serves as a central theme in The Tempest, driving the plot and shaping the characters’ motivations. Prospero’s loss of power and subsequent exile fuel his desire for retribution, which he achieves through his mastery of magic. The betrayal also highlights themes of ambition, loyalty, and justice, as Prospero’s eventual forgiveness of his enemies contrasts with Antonio’s ruthless pursuit of power.