Authority vs. Power: An Investigation into Character Relationships in The Tempest

In Act I of "The Tempest", Shakespeare clearly illustrates the differences between power and authority through the characters of Prospero and Ariel. Prospero, the ex-Duke of Milan and the protagonist of the novel, rescues Ariel, a spirit, from a long period of imprisonment caused by an evil witch's spell. Because his salvation is ultimately indebted to Prospero, Ariel becomes Prospero's servant until Prospero chooses to grant him freedom. As a result, Ariel turns into a sort of supernatural minion, executing Prospero's every request. Ariel uses his magical powers from beyond the grave to do everything for Prospero, from shipwrecking a vessel of Prospero's enemies to becoming a nymph that leads Prince Ferdinand to fall in love with Miranda, Propero's beloved daughter. Through this relationship, Shakespeare demonstrates that while power is the ability to influence the outcome of events and actions of people, authority is the right to do so through a legitimate social position. Ariel has the power to perform amazing feats and paranormal acts, but does not possess the authority to justify them. In contrast, Prospero has authority over everyone on the island, through patriarchal or divine right, and can order anyone to do anything at anytime, but he lacks the power to succeed in anything on his own. Shakespeare further utilizes these two characters to emphasize that authority, in most cases, subjugates and trumps power.

An additional example of a power versus authority role that would support the previous assertion is that of Alonso, the King of Naples, and Prospero. Alonso, the authority figure in this relationship, abuses his leadership position in ousting Prospero from power in favor of a dishonest, though profitable, offer from Prospero's brother, Antonio. Though Prospero technically has the civil support, or power, necessary to retaliate, he backs off for the time being, because he does not have the legitimate means to go up against a divine figure. This further suggests that power is a useful tool, but that the authority to engage the power of others is more desirable.