What do grapes represent?

Grapes are symbolic of power through alternative means - whether magically induced power or drug induced power. In The Tempest, Prospero uses magic to enchant Alonso, Antonio, and Sebastian in order to frighten them and make them regret their mistreatment of him. However, the novel is more realistic and does not use magic for this part of the story, instead substituting Prospero’s spells for grapes that Felix has laced with hallucinogenic drugs. This is one of the weaker story points in the novel, as it seems unlikely that three men who believe that they are being held captive in a prison riot would stop for a snack. Nevertheless, the grapes are Felix’s very own version of a magic spell.