Examples Of Human Nature In The Tempest - 740 Words

Human nature is best described as how humans act in their most raw, untouched state. It describes the natural state of man before he is corrupted by society. Every person, every book, expresses a different view of what common characteristics unite mankind. The Tempest by William Shakespeare puts forth a very positive view of human nature. It shows human nature as very compassionate and caring. What changes a person from their natural state is society. Therefore, Miranda, who has had no contact with the outside world will display more of her human nature. The Tempest contrasts the characteristics of humans with those who are not human, in order to display the characteristics of human nature. Throughout the play shakespeare uses the†¦show more content†¦Miranda has had no contact with other humans, save from her father, and has been virtually untouched by society. Her interactions with Ferdinand, her love, show the extent of her compassion. She offers to help Ferdina nd after her father has ordered him to carry logs. By offering to help she is showing that she has the strength and compassion to go against her father. As well as the fact that she is unaffected by the gender norms society holds; this matters because it shows the outside world has had little influence on her life. When Miranda is first exposed to men other than her father and Ferdinand she calls them â€Å"goodly creatures (P.159)†, exclaiming â€Å"[h]ow beauteous mankind is (P.159)†. This truly innocent first impression of men displays not the naivety of her mind, but the positivity of a human in her natural state. Miranda’s untouched soul is used to create a clear, strong point about human nature in The Tempest. The good nature of humans is not only expressed by their actions, but by what those who are not human say about them. When Ariel is asked if he feels compassion for Prospero’s prisoners he responds I â€Å"would, sir, were I human (V.i. 27)†. Here Ariel clearly states that it is a human property to care for those who are suffering. Prosperos response to this is exhibits the difference between man and spirit. He is able to exhibit feelings of empathy towards those who tried to murder him. Although forgiving hisShow MoreRelatedWilliam Shakespeare s The Tempest Essay987 Words   |  4 Pagesquote from scene five of the Tempest gives the reader a glimpse of Shakespeare’s message regarding humanity. To be human means more than to have two feet, breathe in your lungs, and the ability to communicate. To be human is a choice. Being human means showing compassion and love for those around you. In the play the Tempest, Prospero struggles with his humanity. He possesses inhuman abilities that cause him to lose sight of the good qualities of human nature. 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