Why so serious?

I would consider “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare a serious drama due to the fact that the protagonist faces many challenges. Prospero has to overcome the challenge of being thrown out of his own kingdom with a three year old daughter he has to take care of, as well. Through his journey, he finds an island that becomes his new home where he raises his daughter and learns “magic” through the readings of science and math. It is very serious because Prospero goes through a process that redeems his enemies in order to restore peace in his life. He causes a tempest on Alonso and his followers in order to bring them into the island, which there they go through the meetings that Ariel puts them through. Ariel is the ghostly figure that obeys Prospero all the way. He is the one that helps the magical works of his master to be more powerful. He is very faithful and protects his master. Ariel answers to Prospero’s commands due to the fact that he owes him his duties. Prospero freed him and now he’s entitled to enslavement until his entire master’s plans works out. Through these plans and meetings, the enemies find Prospero, and with his encounter, they all feel sorry for their actions and reunite to start a new life together again. If Prospero’s plans would not have gone perfectly as he planned, this sympathy wouldn’t have resulted. Even though everyone seems to be forgiven, Prospero gives his warnings to Sebastian and Antonio, for they haven’t changed their evil ways. So this whole journey takes a serious turn because there are many things that the main character does which he must consider meticulously in order for his plans to go the way he intends them to go. Another reason I believe it is serious is that this whole journey ends in the likeness of a comedy. There is a love connection between Miranda (Prospero’s daughter) who ends up being together with the son of Alonso, Ferdinand. Through this martial bond, the hatred and uneasiness between Prospero and his old enemies are stopped and there is a repair in the relationship between these families.

So in my opinion, I believe the drama is serious because everything the main character does is serious and vital for his freedom from the island. He takes every step with preparation (for he is well educated) and makes his daughter part of his plans as well for she is well educated by his own wisdom. By using all of these things already counting for him, he ends up becoming a forgiving man and also a puppeteer in making some of his enemies become redeemed and proper. Even though there was a lot of seriousness in planning, the drama, in my opinion ends up with a more comedic turn when the daughter marries and ends the drama between the families.