Final answer:
Shakespeare draws a parallel between Christ's work on the cross and Prospero's role on the island in 'The Tempest'. Prospero's journey of justice, mercy, and forgiveness mirrors the sacrifice and redemption central to Christ's Crucifixion. The liberation and reconciliation in the play can be seen as analogous to spiritual salvation in Christianity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prospero's work follows up to the 6th hour, the hour of the Crucifixion. William Shakespeare is making a parallel between Christ's work on the cross and Prospero's role on the island.
In Shakespeare's The Tempest, Prospero is the rightful Duke of Milan who conjures a storm to shipwreck his usurping brother. This act of balancing justice and mercy, and his ultimate choice to forgive his brother, could be compared to Christ's message of forgiveness and redemption. The shackles of suffering and power seen through Caliban's desire to usurp Prospero could be viewed in light of Christ's sacrifice breaking the bonds of sin and death.
The notion of Prospero as a Christ-like figure is reinforced by his renunciation of his magical powers and releasing his servant Ariel, reflecting the themes of liberation and reconciliation akin to the spiritual release and salvation in Christian theology.