Ariel as a spirit

Definition

Ariel is a mystical spirit and servant to Prospero in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'. Representing the power of magic and the ethereal, Ariel embodies the themes of freedom and transformation, as he navigates between the world of the supernatural and human experience. This character's abilities to manipulate reality through illusion and art reflect the broader role of magic in the play, emphasizing how it can shape perceptions and influence events.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ariel is depicted as a 'full of spirit' being, capable of changing shape and using music to enchant others throughout the play.
2. He was imprisoned by the witch Sycorax before being freed by Prospero, highlighting themes of servitude and liberation.
3. Ariel's ultimate desire is to gain his freedom, which is a recurring motivation that drives his actions throughout the story.
4. Unlike Caliban, Ariel embodies more benevolent qualities, using his powers to assist Prospero rather than act out of resentment or malice.
5. The character symbolizes the potential for transformation and redemption through art, magic, and human connection.

Review Questions

• How does Ariel's relationship with Prospero reflect themes of power and control in 'The Tempest'?
  • Ariel's relationship with Prospero is marked by a dynamic interplay of power and servitude. Prospero exerts control over Ariel by using his magical abilities to achieve his own ends, highlighting the complex nature of authority. However, Ariel's loyalty and desire for freedom complicate this dynamic, as he ultimately seeks liberation from Prospero's rule, which raises questions about the morality of power and the ethics of control in their relationship.
• Analyze how Ariel's ability to create illusions contributes to the themes of magic and reality in 'The Tempest'.
  • Ariel's ability to create illusions serves as a crucial device that blurs the boundaries between reality and appearance in 'The Tempest'. His magical interventions manipulate characters' perceptions, leading them to confront their own truths. This interplay not only emphasizes the transformative potential of magic but also questions what is real versus what is constructed, urging characters (and audiences) to reconsider their understanding of reality within the narrative.
• Evaluate Ariel's journey toward freedom within the context of post-colonial themes in 'The Tempest' and its implications on human agency.
  • Ariel’s journey toward freedom encapsulates significant post-colonial themes present in 'The Tempest', especially regarding subjugation and autonomy. As a spirit once bound by Sycorax’s oppressive rule, Ariel's yearning for liberation resonates with broader struggles against colonial domination. His eventual release symbolizes not only personal agency but also represents a critique of colonial power dynamics. By emphasizing his quest for freedom, Shakespeare invites reflection on themes of exploitation, self-determination, and the intrinsic desire for liberation that transcends both human and supernatural realms.

Related terms

Prospero: The rightful Duke of Milan and a powerful magician who orchestrates the events on the island, using his knowledge of magic to control spirits like Ariel.

Caliban: A deformed and savage creature on the island who contrasts with Ariel, representing the theme of colonization and the struggle for freedom.

Illusion: A central theme in 'The Tempest', where magical events create deceptive appearances, blurring the line between reality and illusion.