Discoveries are complex, impacting each individual differently based on their own experiences and relationships, offering

new or altered perceptions of self. Shakespeare’s The Tempest explores the theme of control, through the power that
Prospero has over the island and its inhabitants, and how releasing control leads to greater self-knowledge. Shakespeare
suggests, through Prospero, that self-discovery is essential to the development of a person’s humanity. Prospero discovers
his humanity through the relationships he has, as well as events, both controlled and unexpected, that occur during and
before the play.

My visual representation explores the journey of Prospero’s self-discovery; shown through the changing levels of control
that he has over the island. The colour of the balloon is red, symbolising Prospero’s initial anger and desire for revenge.
The balloon is released as Prospero releases his control and discovers himself. The symbolism of the balloon floating away
represents Prospero’s loss of control, but also the loss of the burden of anger and resentment.

Discoveries can be evoked by necessity. The catalyst of Prospero’s self-discovery is his desire for revenge for the “foul
play” he endured at the hands of his brother Antonio before the play begins. Prospero’s dominance of the island he has
been stuck on for 12 years offers him the opportunity to control the future events of the play. Before his self-discovery,
Prospero has complete power over the island, which is symbolised in my visual representation by tightly squeezing the
balloon. Prospero is excited by the chance that brings his enemies within his sphere of power. He says “By accident most
strange, bountiful Fortune… hath mine enemies Brought to this shore. And by my prescience I find my zenith doth depend
upon A most auspicious star”. The personification of Fortune shows that Prospero recognises that it was fate that brought
his enemies to him. The initial events that led to his control of the island prevent his journey of self-discovery in the
beginning of the play, however, understanding this leads to his self-discovery.

Prospero’s relationships with Ariel, Caliban and Miranda provoke him to begin to discover something unexpected about
himself. Prospero’s relationship with Ariel, in particular, makes him reflect on his desire for revenge. My visual
representation shows Prospero gradually releasing his control over the island, through the loosened grip of the balloon.
This shows how relationships affect self-discoveries. Prospero says to Ariel: "Hast thou, which art but air, a touch, a feeling
Of their afflictions, and shall not myself, One of their kind… be kindlier moved than thou art?”. The reflective tone of the
quote shows that Prospero is confronted by the fact that Ariel is only air, yet has more compassion than he does. The
juxtaposition between spirit and human highlights Prospero’s lack of empathy, alluding to his deepening humanity. The
unexpected discovery of Prospero’s humanity is brought about by his relationship with Ariel, and causes a new perception
of self.

Discoveries have the ability to alter an individual’s perception of self. By the end of the play, Prospero repents his ways,
the final stage in his journey of self-discovery. He recognises his flaws and releases his hold of the island and its
inhabitants. His new humanity transforms him, making him more forgiving and able to give up on the quest for revenge.
My representation shows the final liberation of the island from under Prospero’s control, the balloon is released and floats
away, symbolising the end of Prospero’s unexpected journey of self-discovery. Prospero’s journey has caused him to find
his humanity through self-discovery caused by his relationships and events. He says, “Yet with my nobler reason 'gainst my
fury Do I take part. The rarer action is In virtue than in vengeance". The use of alliteration and juxtaposition demonstrates
how far Prospero has come on his journey of self-discovery. He now acts virtuously and is forgiving.

He also throws his magic books into the ocean, saying "I'll break my staff, Bury it certain fathoms in the earth, And deeper
did any plummet sound I'll drown my book". The symbolic action of drowning the book shows Prospero letting go of his
magic and control of the island. The events that have taken place on the island have had a positive effect on Prospero,
enabling him to not only to return to his home, but also complete a metaphoric transformative journey of self-discovery
to forgiveness and releasing of control.

It is the events, controlled and unexpected, that occur before and during the play, and the relationship between Prospero
and Ariel, that result in his transformation. Prospero begins by desiring revenge, and controlling the island, but becomes
virtuous and forgiving. The theme of releasing control in The Tempest shows the journey of self-discovery Prospero makes
to discover his humanity, essential in the development of a person’s humanity. My visual representation explores the
journey of Prospero’s self-discovery; shown through the changing levels of control that he has over the island, affected by
his relationships and events.