Even if Gonzalo may seem foolish to others for being sensitive, ridiculing him does not make Sebastian a better person. Like Prospero, Sebastian is not as civilized as he thinks he is. The moment the characters begin to assume that they are more superior than others, they become less. This selfish mentality can endorse dangerous or unexpected situations.
Antonio and Prospero's unkind actions demonstrate that these characters are not actually civilized. Prospero dwells on his past and mentions, "A falsehood in its contrary as great As my trust was, which had indeed no limit, A confidence sansbound" (The Tempest Act 1). Prospero was shocked to find that the person that he trusted most had fallen short of his expectations. Antonio betrayed Prospero, because he wanted everything to happen in the ways that he preferred. Although Prospero had a different mindset as opposed to Antonio, Prospero also stepped on his peers to get what he wanted. Prospero believes that education is a merit, as he explains to Miranda, "I, thus neglecting worldly ends, all dedicated To closeness and the bettering of my mind"" (The Tempest Act 1). Prospero is devoted to his knowledge, but he becomes so intelligent with his magic, that he uses it for his vengeance. And even before this he loses sight of his responsibilities as the Duke of Milan. This is how Antonio is able to take the dukedom away from him. As an illustration, Prospero constructs a storm to proceed with his retribution. Both Antonio and Prospero, in the midst of caring only about themselves, compose perilous acts. Hence, they both contradict the meaning of being a civilized human. There is irony in the behavior of some of the characters in this play, including Antonio and Prospero.
As can be seen, the treachery that exists that is an element of man's civility has brought disorientation amongst the characters. One example of the irony in these characters' behaviors is Ferdinand's presumption that he is king.
