| Theme | Description |
|---|---|
| Loss and Restoration | Prospero's quest to regain his lost dukedom drives the plot, paralleled by Ariel's lost freedom and Caliban's lost rulership. Through forgiveness and reconciliation, Prospero restores order and power, contrasting with characters like Antonio and Sebastian who remain ambitious and unrepentant. |
| Power | The play examines power dynamics, from the storm where authority shifts to questions of entitlement and responsible use of power. Violent power struggles destabilize, while Prospero's compassionate refusal of revenge promotes reconciliation and political stability. |
| Magic, Illusion, and Prospero as Playwright | Prospero's magic and illusions dominate the narrative, mirroring a playwright's manipulation of plot and characters. His control parallels a director guiding a play, with Prospero's artistry and resolution reflecting Shakespeare's own craft and possibly signaling his farewell to theater. |
| Colonization | Exploring the complex relationship between colonizer and colonized, Prospero symbolizes European dominance over Caliban, seen as lesser and ungrateful despite Prospero's imposition of education. The play critiques colonial misunderstandings, racism, and exploitation, alongside fears and opportunities brought by exploration. |