Responses To Betrayal

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Destruction Caused by Unhealthy Responses to Betrayal Betrayal is such a devastating offence because it not only robs one of an experience that they anticipated and worked for; it is committed by someone they trusted. It is a unique type of deceit that incites both anger and sadness. There are many behaviours that typically follow betrayal, including denial, plotting retaliation, and sometimes even violence. All of these responses are generally considered destructive to one’s relationships, reputation, and even their emotional health, and are to be avoided. A response that would be universally understood to be “healthy” would include acceptance of what happened, forgiveness of the offenders, and resisting revenge. In William Shakespeare’s…show more content…
Denial is unhealthy because it causes one to dwell, which is not constructive or productive in moving on. Prospero's behaviour in the entire play shows that he has not accepted that he was overthrown by his own brother. In Act 1 of The Tempest, when Miranda questions why he targeted Alonso’s ship with the storm, he tells her the story of his brother’s deceit. He explains that before he and Miranda arrived on the island, they were royalty. He declares, “Twelve years, Miranda, twelve year since, / thy father was the Duke of Milan…” (1.2.53-54). He also says, “Thy uncle, call’d Antonio- / I pray thee mark me, that a brother should / Be so perfidious” (1.2.67-69). These complaints prove that even after twelve years, Prospero is still resentful, and considers Antonio to be traitorous and untrustworthy. Even after twelve years, he continues to maintain this grudge. Another display of denial is when Prospero does not accept any blame or responsibility for the loss of his dukedom. He explains to Miranda, “The government I cast upon my brother, / And to my state grew stranger, being transported / And rapt in secret studies…” (1.2.75-77). In this explanation, Prospero admits that he allowed his brother to perform what were his own duties so that he could continue his studies. Antonio’s control grew so much that Prospero’s authority lessened. This means that Prospero…show more content…
After Prospero presented the banquet to Alonso, Antonio, and Sebastian, Ariel reports that they remain under Prospero’s enchantment and are suffering from insanity. Upon hearing this, Prospero decides to free them from his spell. He declares, “The rarer action is / In virtue than in vengeance. They being penitent, / The sole drift of my purpose doth extend / Not a frown further” (5.1.27-30). When Prospero says, “In virtue than in vengeance..” , he means that he will free them because it is the right thing to do, and his desire for vengeance does not overpower his desire to maintain an honourable reputation. Also, he says. “…They being penitent”, meaning that he will free them because they are showing signs of remorse. Prospero’s goal throughout the play was for them to go insane from guilt. Now that they show signs of guilt and repentance, his wish has been fulfilled and he will not torment them any further. As well, at the end of the play, there is a scene of forgiveness and reconciliation between Prospero and all of his betrayers. He declares, “…I do forgive / Thy rankest fault-all of them-and require / My dukedom from thee…” (5.1.131-133). In these words, Prospero clearly declares that he forgives the traitors on the condition that they return his dukedom. Then, he announces that he will return to Milan with
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