In Shakespeare's theatrical romance, "The Tempest," Miranda instructs Caliban, "I endowed thy purposes With words that made them known" (I.ii.357-8), affirming the power of language to transform the insubstantial into a forceful and purposeful entity. As Prospero conjures up tempests, masques, and spells, Shakespeare creates a linguistic pageant of lush imagery, tense staccato exchanges, straight-forward narration, and lyrical songs to intensify different moments in and expose major themes of the play. The Tempest begins with an abrupt, monosyllabic exchange between the Boatswain and Master that evolves into a series of confused, frenzied conversations ¬ tempests of language ¬ that convey the helplessness, fear, and consternation faced by the crew. The play moves toward elevated poetry delightful music, and masques of mysticism, all of which converge in Prospero's poignant valedictory speech in which he surrenders his magic powers ¬ after asserting his authority as an artist ¬ and proceeds to accomplish the prescribed reconciliations that resolve the drama:.
Ye elves of hills, brooks, standing lakes, and groves,.
And ye that on the sands with printless foot.
Do chase the ebbing Neptune, and do fly him.
When he comes back; you demi-puppets that.
By moonshine do the green sour ringlets make,.
Whereof the ewe not bites; and you whose pastime.
Is to make midnight mushrumps, that rejoice.
To hear the solemn curfew; by whose aid.
(Weak masters though ye be) I have bedimmed.
The noontide sun, called forth the mutinous winds,.
And 'twixt the green sea and the azured vault.
Set roaring war; to the read rattling thunder.
Have I given fire and rifted Jove's stout oak.
With his own bolt; the strong-based promontory.
Have I made shake and by the spurs plucked up.
The pine and cedar; graves at my command.
Have waked their sleepers, oped, and let 'em forth.
By my so potent art. But this rough magic.
I here abjure; and when I have required.
