Your Affections Would become Tender

Ariel. 

        Your charm so strongly works 'em
        That if you now beheld them, your affections
        Would become tender.
Prospero. 

        Dost thou think so, spirit?
Ariel. 

        Mine would, sir, were I human.

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This has become one of my most favorite passages from The Tempest.  One of the raising question in The Tempest could arguably be what dose it mean to be human?  Up to this point Prospero has been leading the islanders along in his plan.  They are being punished for their evil deeds and wrongs by rough magic.  It is here that Ariel comes in and reports to Prospero of the cast away's situation...your affections \Would become tender.  This is one of the greatest moments for this movie, for it is here that we see Prospero change in the same way that he is striving to change others.  He embraces nobility and virtue, he chooses to forgive instead instead of inflicting the full measure of justice. 

This is the great turning point of the play.  I love Prospero's character here, there is no rage nor anger only humbled enlightenment from a spirit he loves.  It adds a great deal of power and catharsis. In the words and the way they are said we get to see Prospero completely change, he becomes the great ruler, one in no need of magic, one who has power over action, and rules by virtue.