Abstract

In this essay, I argue that Psalm 23 serves as a thematic rubric through which to understand how Prospero’s machinations affect the progress of the redemption of King Alonso throughout the play. At the same time, however, recognizing Prospero’s moral complexities and deficiencies, I also argue that Prospero’s mercy toward and reconciliation with Alonso ultimately demonstrates the sovereign influence of a Providence beyond Prospero’s control—a Providence that works through charity and grace beyond Prospero’s initial intentions. This higher providential power, therefore, ought rightly to be seen as the ultimate shepherd of the play—one who works to affect not only Alonso’s but also Prospero’s spiritual restoration.

Highlights

  • I will argue that Psalm 23 serves as a thematic rubric through which to understand how Prospero’s machinations affect the progress of redemption of King Alonso throughout the play

  • Milan’s dukedom to Prospero—who introduces himself to Alonso as “The wronged Duke of Milan, Prospero!” (5.1.107)—demonstrates that Prospero is successfully leading Alonso “in the paths of righteousness for his Names sake” (Psalm 23.3)

  • Prospero tells him that he “lost [his] daughter” (5.1.148), Alonso responds by uttering a seemingly unanswerable prayer for the two youths and expressing his desire to die in their stead: O heavens, that they were both living in Naples, The king and queen there! That they were, I wish

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Summary

Thy dukedom I resign and I do entreat

Alonso’s plea for Prospero’s forgiveness is accompanied by his report that his afflicted mind has been healed, presumably by the opportunity to gain reconciliation with the man for whose supposed death the conscience-stricken Alonso knew he was responsible. We see that Prospero’s machinations have again brought about another specific and spiritually crucial element of Psalm 23: the psalmist’s declaration that the Lord “restoreth my soule” (23.3), with the soul encompassing both the emotional and moral dimensions that Alonso describes above. Milan’s dukedom to Prospero—who introduces himself to Alonso as “The wronged Duke of Milan, Prospero!” (5.1.107)—demonstrates that Prospero is successfully leading Alonso “in the paths of righteousness for his Names sake” (Psalm 23.3). The blessings that Prospero here offers Alonso go beyond forgiveness and moral/spiritual restoration; Prospero blesses Alonso in ways that exceed the king’s hopes, coinciding with another portion of Psalm 23. O heavens, that they were both living in Naples, The king and queen there! That they were, I wish

Myself were mudded in that oozy bed
That hath to instrument this lower world

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