ABSTRACT
There are a number of obvious links between King Lear and The Tempest, such as the storm scenes in King Lear and the storm that opens The Tempest, as well as that by now familiar theme, the relationship between father and daughter. It is the relationship between Prospero and Caliban that is particularly interesting. It would be possible, of course, to contrast Caliban and Ariel as apparent symbols of evil and good, respectively. Sokol observes first that we have to take into account why Prospero might have been expelled from his Dukedom by his brother. If the relationship of Prospero and Caliban is one of harshness, let us observe that Prospero can also treat Ariel unsympathetically. Either a part of Prospero leads the way, or Prospero learns from his spirit, in showing concern and tenderness. One analyst, Holland, concludes that "Prospero is the mature man, willing to give up his daughter to her young lover".
