There are three different types of desire that can be shown, a desire for the highest good, a desire for others, and a desire for self. Paradise Lost and The Divine Comedy both show all these qualities of desire. In Paradise Lost Adam and Eve desire a highest good from the Son and the Father and via versa, a desire regarding oneself, Eve wanting knowledge on top of her understanding of desire by eating fruit. Besides a desire for a highest good and for oneself there is also desire by Adam who has a desire for Eve. The Divine Comedy also shares the same types of desires as those in Paradise Lost. Throughout the entire story, the meaning of Love that Dante acquired is the actual desire for a higher good. Everyone in Paradiso had a desire for God which is their highest good. In Purgatorio, in order for a soul to move to a high level in the realm, they are in need for living souls to pray for them so that souls in Purgatorio are capable to repent. However, those in Inferno do not desire the highest good. The only desire what they want and have is having no intentions in seeking Love but only act on their own.
The Tempest also shows three different types of desire. Ariel has a desire for freedom which she can receive from a highest good. Based on The Divine Comedy’s definition of Love being the highest good, Ferdinand seeks a desire for Miranda and her love. Antonio has a desire for dukedom