Freedom, people fight wars for it, some would rather die than live without it, and others claim freedom does not need obtaining because we always had it. Shakespeare, aware of man's desire for freedom includes this theme in the play, The Tempest. Seeing how hard the characters work to obtain freedom suggests its importance. This theme of freedom frequently shows itself throughout the play. Freedom, one of the bigger themes in the play, due to its easy identification and numerous references. .
Prospero and Miranda's imprisonment, the first example of confinement, something one must have in order for the need of freedom. Prospero's brother exiled Prospero and Miranda to that island 12 years ago in order that he may obtain Prospero's position. "In few, they hurried us aboard a bark, bore us some leagues to sea" (I.ii.172-173). Upon this island Prospero makes plans on how to get revenge and free themselves from the island. Prospero conjures up a fake storm and goes through elaborate plans just for freedom. "If by your art, my dearest father, you have put the wild waters in this roar" (I.ii.1-2). Prospero also faces his imprisonment to the black arts. These controlled him so much; he gave up his dukedom for it. "Knowing I loved my books, he furnished me from my own library with volumes that I prize above my own dukedom" (I.ii.198-200). Prospero eventually realizes that his magic imprisoned him and in result gives it up to obtain freedom. "Now my charms are all o"erthrown, and what strength I have "s mine own." (epilogue.1-2). Unfortunately, while imprisoned on the island, Prospero does not learn anything and proceeds to imprison others. .
Prospero enslaves Caliban, the former owner of the island, upon arriving on the island. "We"ll visit Caliban, my slave" (I.ii.368). Caliban performs tasks for Prospero, and grows angrier and angrier at Prospero. He decides to join Stephano and Trinculo to obtain his freedom by overthrowing Prospero to gain control of the island.