The theme of power is frequently found throughout the plays of William Shakespeare. The Tempest is the story of Prospero, a usurped Duke turned self-proclaimed King. Throughout the play, Prospero has at his disposal the services of Ariel and Caliban. Both characters are supernatural in a sense, and help define the role of Prospero. In their positions, Caliban and Ariel are significantly different, creating a contrast between one another. The contrast between both characters helps portray Prospero as a nuanced character, a man capable of being malevolent and benevolent. Prospero’s dynamic personality allows the redemption at the end to be a logical and fulfilling conclusion to the play.
The introduction of Ariel in the second scene of the first …show more content…
demonstrating Ariel’s devotion to Prospero. Ariel calls Prospero “master” without any grievances. Ariel actually seems proud to be serving Prospero, telling his “master” that he is ready to answer to his every whim. Regardless of what it is, Ariel will use all of his power to ensure the desired result. Prospero conveys his fondness for Ariel by using phrases such as “My brave spirit!” (1.2.208), and “Why, that’s my spirit!” (1.2.217). There is a tone of adoration when Prospero addresses Ariel in such a way. Despite this display of affection, it only takes a reminder from Ariel–of his impending freedom–to inspire aggression from Prospero, to try and keep Ariel in their subservient role. Prospero states “If thou more murmur’st, I will rend an oak, / And peg thee in his knotty entrails till/ Thou hast howled away twelve winters./“ (1.2.296-298). Prospero threatens Ariel with imprisoning him instead of freeing him, like original promised. After this threat, Ariel responds with “Pardon, master./ I will be correspondent to command,/ And do my spiriting gently./“ (1.2.299-301). Ariel is aware and mindful of the position he is in. He feels indebted to Prospero, and despite craving absolute freedom, decides not to rebel. Instead, Ariel resolves to serve Prospero to earn his freedom. Perhaps the best summary of the relationship between Prospero and Ariel is presented …show more content…
Prospero himself wishes the worst upon Caliban. Gone are the affectionate titles given to Ariel, replaced by the phrases such as “Thou most lying slave,/“ (1.2.348), and “Filth as thou art…” (1.2.349). Clearly the relationship between Caliban and Prospero is antagonistic. Where the tension between Ariel and Prospero is resolved with a reminder of appreciation, the tension between Caliban and Prospero only grows. After meeting Trinculo and Stefano, Caliban relates to them his perception of Prospero. He states “As I told thee before, I am subject to a tyrant, a sor-/ cerer, that by his cunning hath cheated me of the island./“ (3.2.40-41). Caliban, unlike Ariel, does not see Prospero as his master, but instead sees him as a tyrant, and a thief. Despite the antagonistic qualities of the relationship, Prospero still views Caliban as being his subject and responsibility. He may be cruel to Caliban, but suggests the relationship could of been a lot more similar to the one he has with Ariel. Prospero tells Caliban “I have used thee…with human care, and lodged thee/ In mine own cell, till thou didst seek to violate/ The honour of my child./ (1.2.349-351). Prospero used to treat Caliban with care and respect, but once he deemed Caliban untrustworthy, began to treat him as a slave. Later in the play, Prospero accepts Caliban as his responsibility, stating “….This thing of