Prospero's Noble Punishment

By the end of the The Tempest, in Act I Scene I, Prospero's mission fulfillment becomes clear. Early on, he states how although he has been humiliated and wounded by the actions of his enemies, he is able to see that he will use his "nobler reason" (I.i.26) to not give in to his rage. Therefore, he frees the men from their confused and trapped mental states. He then enters a trance, summoning the spirits, and promises to bury his staff and drown his book, to rid himself of his magic. This shows he is already considering the passion he must give up in order to take the position as Duke of Milan. After summoning the royal party, he embraces Gonzalo with thanks and honor, showing his humble gratitude. Though he does shame Alonso and Sebastian, he focuses his speech on his brother Antonio. Prospero looks down on them (except for Gonzalo) with a confident power. He is untouchable, it is now known that his position will be restored, and his actions all contributed to this victorious ending. At the same time, his only prize is what is rightfully his (that being his status as Duke of Milan) and he does not exceed the punishment on those that wronged him. Furthermore, this proves his qualities as a Comic Individual.