By Casey Sloane
The Tempest Speech
Individuals understanding of discovery through the process of responding to texts, shapes their knowledge to determine the authenticity of the discovery. Can a discovery still be authentic if it’s not an epiphany. “The Tempest”, a tragicomedy play by William Shakespeare, Explores the significance of Prospero’s re-evaluation of his humanity leading to his own self-discovery. Similarly, Gwen Harwood’s poem “Barn Owl” investigates the lost innocence of the child and the reconsidering of human nature. Through characterisation, both Shakespeare and Harwood give the audience insight into how discoveries can be formulated progressively and however can still be as authentic as an epiphany.
The manifestation of individuals ideas gradually creates new values from which the audience and characters form their own beliefs on discovery. Prospero’s grand design throughout “The Tempest” is to lead others into a variety of physical, emotional, creative, intellectual and spiritual discoveries. The idea of Prospero being driven by the desire of revenge is signified early in the play. The storm symbolises his power and disruption of natural order reflecting chaos and turmoil resulting in corrupted ethics. When Prospero asks whether the mariners are safe in Act 1 Scene 2, Ariel replies “Not a hair perished”. This use of a biblical allusion effectively foreshadows Prospero’s intentions regarding the characters who wronged him. Through adapting a paternal authority over Miranda, Ariel and Caliban, the wielding of power over others establishes. By aiming to accomplish the revenge plot, it displays that he shares the same character traits of those he prosecutes. He intellectually discovers he needs to reconcile with his enemies to moreover reconciliate with himself. Prospero reveals a new ideal progressively which encourages the audience to develop their own opinions on discovery.
By establishing individuals own beliefs of discovery, it shapes the ability for society to distinguish innovative notions and profound awareness of the genuineness. The protagonist portrayed in “Barn Owl” experiments with the constraints of authority in an attempt to seek control of herself. By being in control of the owl’s life the child describes themselves in a first-person point of view as a “ho...
