The Tempest | Epilogue


Epilogue

Now my charms are all o'erthrown,
And what strength I have's mine own,
Which is most faint. Now, ’tis true
I must be here confined by you
Or sent to Naples. Let me not,(5)
Since I have my dukedom got,
And pardoned the deceiver, dwell
In this bare island by your spell;
But release me from my bands
With the help of your good hands:(10)
Gentle breath of yours my sails
Must fill, or else my project fails,
Which was to please. Now I want
Spirits to enforce, art to enchant,
And my ending is despair,(15)
Unless I be relieved by prayer,
Which pierces so, that it assaults
Mercy itself, and frees all faults.
As you from crimes would pardoned be,
Let your indulgence set me free.(20)
  • (the stage)
  • shackles
  • applause
  • Positive comments
  • lack
  • approval
  • “Now my charms…set me free.” – The use of magic during Shakespeare's day was viewed as real and was feared by many individuals. In The Tempest, Shakespeare uses the dream motif and Prospero's desire for redemption as a way for the audience to sympathize with Prospero as a character. His epilogue asks the audience for their forgiveness so he can be set free from his life of evil and magic. He is remorseful for his deeds and desires forgiveness. With the applause from the audience, Prospero (and Shakespeare) have earned the audience's applause and, therefore, their approval.

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