Symbols in The Tempest
Prospero's Cloak and Books
Prospero's cloak and books symbolize his power throughout the play:
- He removes his cloak twice: first when revealing his history to Miranda, and again when renouncing his magic at the play's end.
- Gonzalo values Prospero's books, ensuring they are on the ship that exiles Prospero from Milan. Without them, Prospero could not summon the tempest or restore order.
- Caliban advises Stephano to seize Prospero's books as part of their plot to murder him and seize control of the island.
- When Prospero renounces his magic, he symbolically "drowns" his book, indicating his departure from the world of power and sorcery.
- Many critics interpret Prospero's relationship with his books as Shakespeare's farewell to the theater, suggesting the books symbolize the power of words and ideas.
The Tempest
The tempest itself symbolizes political upheaval in the play:
- During the storm, nature and the sailors exert power over the courtiers, highlighting a state of disorder.
- This chaos persists until Prospero rectifies the injustices against him.
- After reclaiming his dukedom, Prospero promises his guests "calm seas" and favorable winds for their journey home, symbolizing restored order and harmony.