The fifth act opens with Prospero speaking to Ariel. The magician is pleased with his success and comments that “time goes upright with his carriage” (2-3). Simply put, Prospero means that his plans are moving according to the schedule he had set. Shakespeare personifies Time – he walks upright or straight. Although Time is traditionally personified as an old man, stooped or bent down in his old age, Time is not walking or moving slowly in this case. Prospero will complete his final grand act of magic on time.
Ariel reports on Alonso and the others; and he informs Prospero that the men are still out of their wits or crazy (“distracted” at line 12) and that they are still confined in a lime-grove by Prospero’s magic. The airy sprite adds that the counselor Gonzalo is so saddened by King Alonso’s condition that his tears are flowing “like winter’s drops from eaves of reeds” (16-17). The word, reeds, refers to thatch (which could be made of straw, reeds, or leaves). Thatch was used to cover the roofs of houses during the Renaissance. The image is that of melting snow flowing or pouring off of the edge of the roof. Gonzalo’s tears are flowing strongly.
Ariel, who is not human and does not have human emotions, suggests that the sight of the weeping counselor would move even the seemingly stern magician. Prospero admits that he does have feelings and that he does “relish all as sharply passion as they” (23-24). The line means that Prospero feels (relishes) passion or emotion as sharply or keenly as do any of the others. Yet Prospero is also capable of negative emotions – such as anger and vengeance – and he notes that the “wrongs” committed by Alonso and Antonio against Miranda and himself have made him furious (at line 25). However, Prospero controls those negative emotions:
Yet with my nobler reason ‘gainst my fury Do I take part. (26-27)
The most prominent conflict in Shakespeare’s plays – and, indeed, in most of literature – is the conflict of Reason vs. Emotion. In most cases the protagonist in a Shakespeare play is overwhelmed by his emotions and fails to act reasonably (for example, Macbeth and his ambition or Othello and his jealousy). However, Prospero uses his Reason to control his Emotion (of fury or anger). Christian ministers and priests often preached that Reason was a gift from God that allowed all individuals to control their desires and passions. Prospero is godlike not merely because of his magical powers, but more importantly because of his ability to control his emotions and to act reasonably despite his intense emotional state.
Prospero then adds the following comment about emotions:
The rarer action is
In virtue than in vengeance. (27-28)
Shakespeare, through the character of Prospero, is expressing a truth about the human condition. Most people do not act reasonably or virtuously. Such action is rare. Rather, all too often, vengeance or some other negative emotion overwhelms an individual. And, when that happens, that individual becomes unreasonable and often even wicked.
Prospero’s plan had always been benevolent. Rendering Alonso and the others “penitent” or sorry for their actions, the magician sees no need for any further punishment: “The sole drift of my purpose doth extend not a frown further” (29-30). Thus, Prospero intends to restore the malefactors to their senses and release them from the magical trance that holds them.
Prospero then makes a speech – or, rather, an incantation – declaring his intention to give up the practice of magic (beginning at line 33). The speech mixes Roman mythology (references to Neptune and Jove) with Celtic belief (the mention of elves and fairy-rings): Prospero’s island and his magical powers are a fantastical and imaginative blending of numerous magical concepts. Prospero recounts his past magical acts – such as blotting out the sun or causing terrifying storms (lines 41-44). But Prospero adds that he will now “abjure” or give up that “rough” or terrifying magic and that he will break his magical staff and bury it deep within the earth and that he will drown his book of magical spells.
But before he relinquishes his power, Prospero calls for magical or “heavenly music” to help him complete the magical task that he has started (line 52). The music will restore the senses to Alonso and the other maddened men.
As the music plays and as the magic works its charms, Ariel leads Alonso and his dazed companions onto the stage. Before they awaken Prospero comments that he intends to reward the good counselor Gonzalo (lines 68-71). He also comments on Alonso’s cruel behavior (lines 71-73). Prospero’s harshest words are for his own brother Antonio. Because of his ambition, Antonio (like Macbeth) “expelled remorse and nature” (76). In other words, Antonio allowed his ambition to replace his positive and virtuous emotions: pity and brotherly affection. Prospero also calls Antonio “unnatural” (79). Love of one’s family or bother is the normal and positive side of human nature. To act otherwise is thus unnatural. Yet, despite the great wrongs that Antonio has committed against him, Prospero forgives his ambitious brother (at line 78). The magician’s desire for vengeance is over, and the punishment of Alonso and Antonio has been most lenient given the severity of their crimes.