Antonio's Betrayal
Prospero explains to Miranda how Antonio and Alonso were able to successfully usurp his dukedom, saying they "With colours fairer painted their foul ends" (1.2). In this metaphor, Prospero tells Miranda that Antonio and Alonso disguised their schemes with "fair colors," as one would paint over the face of an ugly woman with makeup.
Prospero as Tree
As Prospero continues describing what took place between him and his brother, he compares Antonio to a creeping ivy, calling him "the ivy which had hid my princely trunk, and sucked my verdure out on't" (1.2). In this metaphor, Prospero compares to Antonio to a life-sucking vine, suggesting that his station was slowly strangled by his brother's ambition.
Ariel's Song
In Ariel's "Full fathom five" song, he describes to Ferdinand the transformation his father's body has undergone on the ocean floor. He uses a series of metaphors to emphasize the transformative and mysterious power of the sea, ultimately suggesting that his father's (alleged) death is both natural and beautiful.
Prospero's Promise
Early in the play, Prospero reminds Ariel that he plans to free him from his servitude as long as Ariel helps him in his scheme. He tells Ariel, "Thou shalt be free as mountain winds" if he obeys every order Prospero gives him (1.2). In this simile, Prospero compares Ariel's impending freedom to the wind that blows through the mountains, emphasizing Ariel's spritely and ethereal nature.
Return to Reality
At the end of the play, Prospero realizes that the people he has charmed throughout the play will soon be returning to their normal mental state. He uses a metaphor to describe this phenomenon, saying, "the approaching tide will shortly fill the reasonable shore that now lies foul and muddy" (5.1). Here, Prospero compares the ocean water to a cleansing power that will restore the "reasonable" minds of those he has manipulated.
