Ariel

Definition

Ariel is a spirit character in Shakespeare's late romances, primarily featured in 'The Tempest.' Ariel embodies the themes of freedom, servitude, and transformation, serving as a servant to the magician Prospero while longing for liberation. The character's ethereal nature and magical abilities symbolize the connection between the supernatural and human desires.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ariel is often described as a 'airy spirit,' highlighting its lightness and ethereal quality, which contrasts sharply with Caliban's earthy nature.
2. Throughout 'The Tempest,' Ariel performs magical tasks for Prospero, including manipulating storms and enchanting other characters, showcasing its powers.
3. Ariel's desire for freedom is a central theme in the play, with repeated references to wanting to be released from Prospero's control.
4. The relationship between Ariel and Prospero raises questions about authority, loyalty, and the moral implications of servitude.
5. Ariel's songs and poetic language contribute significantly to the play's themes of beauty, longing, and transformation.

Review Questions

• How does Ariel's relationship with Prospero reflect the themes of power and servitude in 'The Tempest'?
  • Ariel's relationship with Prospero illustrates complex themes of power and servitude. While Ariel serves Prospero and performs magical tasks to assist him, there is an underlying tension regarding freedom. Prospero's control over Ariel emphasizes the nature of authority in their relationship; however, Ariel's longing for liberation highlights the emotional cost of servitude, adding depth to the exploration of these themes within the play.
• Analyze how Ariel's character contrasts with Caliban in 'The Tempest' and what this reveals about human nature.
  • Ariel and Caliban serve as contrasting representations of humanity within 'The Tempest.' While Ariel embodies ethereal qualities associated with beauty, magic, and longing for freedom, Caliban represents the brutish side of human nature, tied to instinct and base desires. This contrast reveals how Shakespeare explores different facets of human experience—spiritual aspiration versus earthly desires—and invites the audience to reflect on the complexities of human identity.
• Evaluate the significance of Ariel’s songs in 'The Tempest' and their impact on the play's overall themes.
  • Ariel’s songs play a crucial role in 'The Tempest,' acting as a vehicle for expressing themes of beauty, freedom, and transformation. These musical interludes enhance the mystical atmosphere of the play while deepening emotional resonance. Through lyrical expressions of longing for freedom and connection to nature, Ariel's songs amplify the overarching message about liberation from oppression and highlight Shakespeare’s use of music as a powerful narrative tool that connects characters' desires with broader thematic concerns.

Related terms

Prospero: The main character in 'The Tempest,' Prospero is a magician and the rightful Duke of Milan, who wields power over Ariel and orchestrates events on the island.

Caliban: Another key character in 'The Tempest,' Caliban represents the theme of colonization and contrasts with Ariel's ethereal qualities as a more brutish and earthly being.

Magic: In the context of Shakespeare's late romances, magic serves as a narrative device that facilitates transformation and revelation, with characters like Ariel showcasing its impact on human lives.