in the Epilogue, how does Prospero expect to gain his freedom from magic
Answers
The Epilogue is at the end of Act Five in William Shakespeare's play The Tempest.
Prospero, releases Ariel and Caliban after he successfully ensures that everyone is happy and together. Before he releases Ariel, Prospero ensures that his return back to his kingdom is on smooth seas and good wind.
In the Epilogue, Prospero repeatedly tells everyone that he is giving up magic. He turns towards the audience and tells them that just like how he has arrested Ariel and Caliban, the audience also have arrested him on the stage. It is now time to release him the way he has released his magical powers by clapping for him.
One of the characters in the story, Ariel tells Propero that the time has come to the sixth hour which means that Ariel can stop working.
Prospero on the other hand actually acknowledges the request made by Ariel and therefore asks how the followers of the king and the king himself is actually faring.
Ariel lets Prospero know that they are being held in a prison as it was earlier ordered by Prsospero himself.
It was then Propero asks Ariel to release all the men that has been imprisoned and in his famous soliloquy he says that he will burn his magic book and give up on magic.