William Shakespeare
wrote The Tempest as a comedic love story between a shipwrecked prince
and an island entrenched princess. The overlapping idea behind all of
Shakespeare’s comedies is indeed love, an idea not easily overlooked in the
riveting romantic adventure named after a rainstorm. By overcoming obstacles
such as a protecting king and father, Prince Ferdinand and Miranda embark on an
epic journey of love throughout the confining grasp of Prospero. Through terms
of endearment, hyperbolic statements, and a breakthrough of bondage and trust,
this couple find themselves holding hands in marriage at the conclusion of the
play. The specific details of a Shakespearean play can easily be found within
the text of The Tempest.
The literature of romance is tricky, showy, and as many
readers discover, confusing. However, the creation of this strong relationship
can be seen from a distance, as Miranda says to her father, “What is ‘t? A
spirit? / Lord, how it looks about! […] It carries a brave form” (I.ii.488-490).
The manner in which these two characters talk to each other simply seals the
deal. From compliments, to improbable acts of love, all the way through a
concluding, romantic gesture, Ferdinand and Miranda accurately fit the mold for
a Shakespearean comedy: “Oh most dear mistress […]” (III.i.24), “I had rather
crack my sinews, break my back […]” (III.i.31), “For several virtues / Have I liked
several women, never any with so full soul […]” (III.i.52-53). No comedy of
Shakespeare consists of only laughter, but rather affection and comfort toward
two willing characters (or more). Ferdinand, a charming Prince of many values,
woos Miranda away from her father through his words, words put in place by Shakespeare, the trade of
all trades, and most importantly, the love guru.
