Comparing Forgiveness In The Tempest And Archbishop Desmond Tutu Speech

Forgiveness is a powerful tool that can transform relationships and bring peace to those who have been hurt. However, forgiveness requires an apology to be effective. In the play "The Tempest" by William

Shakespeare and the "Tutu Speech" by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, forgiveness is shown as a process that requires both parties to take responsibility for their actions and make amends.

In "The Tempest," Shakespeare portrays the character of Prospero, a powerful sorcerer who seeks revenge on those who have wronged him. Howeve, through the course of the play, Prospero realizes that forgiveness is the key to true happiness and freedom. In order to forgive his enemies, Prospero demands that they apologize for their actions and make amends. He says,

Prospero recognizes that an apology is necessary for forgiveness to be effective. He understands that forgiveness is not just about letting go of the past, but also about repairing the harm that has been done.

Similarly, in the "Tutu Speech," Archbishop Desmond Tutu argues that forgiveness is a process that requires both parties to take responsibility for their actions. He says, "There is no future without forgiveness. But forgiveness does not come cheaply. It requires work. It means acknowledging the wrong, taking responsibility for it, and making amends" (Tutu Speech). Tutu recognizes that forgiveness is not just about letting go of anger and resentment; it also involves holding people accountable for their actions and ensuring that they make things right.

In both "The Tempest" and the "Tutu Speech," forgiveness is portrayed as a process that requires an apology. Apologizing is not just a way to acknowledge the hurt that has been caused, but it is also a way to take responsibility for one's actions and make amends. An apology shows that the person who has caused harm is willing to take steps to repair the damage and prevent it from happening again in the