The tempest
Ariel is a mischievous and ambitious spirit helper, able to traverse the length of the island in an instant and to change shapes at will. He carriers out virtually every task that Prospero needs accomplished in the play, and we learn that it was in fact Prospero and Ariel, who were responsible for the storm in Act one, scene one. Flying about the ship, Ariel acted as the wind, the thunder, and the lightning. When everyone except the crew had abandoned the ship, Ariel made sure, as Prospero had requested, that all were brought safely to shore but dispersed around the island. In this sense, although Prospero has control of most of the power and people in the play, it is indeed Ariel who carries out his orders. Ariel regards his service to Prospero with cooperation and obedience, however, after completing his latest task, he reminds Prospero of his promise to take one year off his agreed time of servitude if Ariel performs his services without complaint. Prospero chastises Ariel for is impudence, and Ariel agrees to "do my spiriting gently" (1.2.299).If The Tempest is a play concerned with power and its various forms, then Prospero is the central figure, who controls events throughout the play, through magic and manipulation. His
history of Sycorax illustrates how he maintains his power by controlling those around him. Similarly, the "airy spirit" Ariel maintains his dignity and his freedom by serving Prospero willingly, while Caliban achieves a different kind of dignity by refusing, if only momentarily, to bow before Prospero's intimidation. This is perhaps why he is resentful of learning a new language. For instance, in his speech with Prospero, Caliban suggests that his situation is much the same as Prospero's, whose brother stole his dukedom. Yet, Caliban is an extremely complex figure, and in many ways he mirrors other characters in the play. The powers of Ariel are discussed throughout this passage, and is it implied that his magic is the means through which, Prospero obtains his power over those on the island. 262) to ensure that Ariel's erratic nature does not cause him to become disloyal. Instead, it is a constant reminder of how he is different from Prospero and Miranda. In this way, Prospero exercises control both intellectually and physically, and provides an insight into why he has no only gained control of the island in the past, but also why he has so much power over people trapped on the island. Caliban's brutal demeanour is illustrated by Miranda and Prospero, who view him as a "villain" who never "Yields us kind answer" (1.
Common topics in this essay:
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,
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Acceptance Essays
