William Shakespeare's "The Tempest" - Lighthearted or a Serious Drama?

     "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare is a more lighthearted, escapist work than a serious drama because the story ends happily, in my opinion. In the beginning there is immediate conflict with a boat wreckage and Prospero telling his sad life story to his daughter Miranda. Indeed, while these factors indicate undertones of a serious drama, I believe that because the story ends on a happy note, that "The Tempest" is a much more lighthearted play. It ended happily as Prospero reclaimed his title as Duke of Milan and his own daughter married the Duke of Naples' son. Not only does Prospero regain his power, but his daughter's new found relationship with Ferdinand (son of the Duke of Naples) expels any animosity between Prospero and the Duke of Naples. While the supernatural regarding spirit-ism and magic can often relay themes of evil or negativity, "The Tempest" delves into the matter quite smoothly and gives a pretty picture of spirit-ism with its own example of Ariel. Ariel is described as kind, wanting to be freed, and benevolent. This description of such a spirit does not give credence to equivocating spirits with devils, but does indicate a more lighthearted view of magic and spirit ism.  Therefore, while the subject matter is heavy in its material and subjects, it is lighthearted because of its presentation of such topics. It is also very escapist in its approach because it is so fantastic. The nature of it is fantasy and therefore this may allow readers to find their own escape upon reading, or watching the play of  Shakespeare's "The Tempest."