The Tempest: A Shakespearean Comedy

As a Shakespearean comedy, The Tempest contains the theme of courtship, as well as a comic situation, comic individual, and comic solution. Courtship occurs between Alonso's son Ferdinand and Prospero's daughter Miranda. Their relationship can be considered a courtship because the attraction between the two is immediate and obvious. It is apparent that the desire between Ferdinand and Miranda is instinctive, as they waste no time making it clear they feel naturally charmed by each other. The couple also uses specific language when speaking to or about the other. For example, Ferdinand chooses to express his deep love for Miranda by complimenting her endlessly, and using hyperboles to exaggerate his feelings. In return, Miranda vows to be with and love him forever. Unfortunately, the pair is given no choice but to keep their love for each other codified because of Prospero's false disapproval of their being together. A comic situation occurs when characters' minds become fogged by spells or drugs. Prospero frequently makes use of trickery and deceit; throughout the play he places spells upon his enemies, pushing them to the brink of insanity. Some of the men get into mischief and end up drinking too much wine, which also distorts their perception of reality. All of these surreal and unclear circumstances lead to dream-like situations.

One character in the comedy that qualifies as a comic individual is Prospero, because of his obsession with his books. Second to his daughter, Prospero's books are the most important part of his entire life. His folly is spurred by his undying devotion to his literature. He also somehow manages to maintain his rationality despite all of the tragic events that befall him. Miraculously, Prospero is never pushed to the point where he becomes irrational, which enables the audience to continue to laugh at him. Although he as an individual remains rational, his actions are those of an irrational person, which is what Shakespeare perceived to be comedy. The comic solution occurs as Prospero apologizes to everyone for having deceived and tricked them. As he makes amends with the all of the characters, he relieves them of the spells he had cast on them, and clarifies all issues from the past. The play concludes when the whole group travels back to Naples where Ferdinand and Miranda are meant to finally be wed. Keeping his promise to Ariel, Prospero sets him free in return for all of his loyalty and assistance. With that, everything and everyone is restored to its proper form.