The Tempest blog post #1

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While we haven't read very far into the play so far, The Tempest seems like an interesting play because of the character complexity. While Antonio is meant to be the antagonist, the main character Prospero, seems like he could be an antagonist as well. In the very beginning of the play one of the first experiences we have with Prospero is the dialogue between him and his daughter. He acts contemptuously and does not treat his daughter Miranda with respect. It is interesting to cast the supposed protagonist into a role that has traits normally associated with the “evil” character. Does this mean that Prospero could possibly be an Anti-hero? Where does the line between hero and villain cross? As we continue on with the play it will be fascinating to analyze Prospero's character further.

 The name The Tempest is indicative of conflict. On a surface level, 'tempest' meaning a violent storm is physically represented in the storm in the very first scene of the play when the ship's passengers are deposited on the island. Yet the title could be taken figuratively as well. It has a familiar connotation with “temper," which foreshadows possible future conflict or violence. It could continue to be shown in the characters of the play, who could possibly have these types of aggressive traits. This would directly connect the connotation of a storm with other aspects of the story. While the storm is the physical force that brings them all together, their actions subsequently become a storm in itself. My guess is that this represents the push and pull of conflict in the story—Prospero's need for revenge and the actions that other characters commit against him. 

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