Prospero's abuse of power in The Tempest In The Tempest by William Shakespeare, Prospero lives with his daughter Miranda on a desert island. On the surface he appears to be a benevolent leader who does his best to protect and care for the island's inhabitants, especially Miranda. Upon closer examination, however, Prospero plays God, controlling and creating each individual to fit the mold he desires. He takes advantage of his authority over the people and situations he encounters by wearing a façade of integrity and compassion to disguise his cunning intentions and maintain love and respect. In Act I of the play, Prospero finally tells Miranda the sad story of how she and he came to the island. From the beginning, Prospero casts his subjects and his sympathetic audience as pawns in his game of manipulation. He explains that twelve years ago he was Duke of Milan, but fascinated by studies, he left most of the government responsibilities to his brother Antonio. Anthony, eager to be the "absolute Milan" himself (1:2, p.6), proceeded to betray him with the help of King Alonso of Naples. When Miranda asks why they were not killed, Prospero sighs: “Dear, they dared not, / so dear the love my people bore me” (1:2, p.7). From the beginning, Prospero presents himself as a distinguished scholar and beloved leader unjustly victimized by his power-hungry brother. Who would suspect that such a humble man is psychologically manipulative? Prospero manages to fool many with this credible appearance. Prospero's control over Miranda is evident throughout The Tempest, even from their first conversation. He says, “Can you remember/A time before we came to this cell?/I don't think…in the middle of the paper…they chose each other, when in fact Prospero orchestrated their falling in love from the start. Using reverse psychology to make the couple believe he does not approve of Ferdinand, Prospero catalyzes a rebellion against himself with the aim of reuniting the couple. Ultimately, Prospero reveals himself to King Alonso and his men, frees Ariel, forgives Caliban, and plans to return. to Milan where Miranda and Ferdinand will marry. Prospero gets everything he wants: his dukedom, a powerful son-in-law and a return to society. Consulted Corfield, Cosmo. "Why Prospero abjures his 'raw magic'", Shakespeare Quarterly 36 1985): 31-4 8. Mowat, Barbara A. "Prospero, Agrippa and Hocus Pocus", English Literary Renaissance 11 (1981): 281-3 03.Shakespeare, William The Tempest, 1999.