How Does Prospero Present Ariel In The Tempest

Advancing onto new land sparks innovative ideas for methods of government. In past governments, a recurring problematic method comes about from one person ruling and deciding the fate of every one of his subjects. This appears during the seventeenth century when government systems consisted of a ruler and his subjects, the ruler typically self-appointed. Prospero, the ruler of his island in Shakespeare's The Tempest, has assigned himself two servants: Ariel and Caliban. He shows the eagerness to rule, yet the eagerness does not necessarily translate into fairness towards his subjects. The dynamics of each relationship need to be examined closely, as well as Prospero's past dealings with authority, as insight into each can help in understanding

Prospero's sensitivity for Ariel is seen immediately upon his arrival to the island when he comes to Ariel's rescue. Early in the play, Prospero recalls his selfless act as "from what a torment I did free [Ariel]" when an evil witch named Sycorax had "confined" Ariel "in a cloven pine, within which rift imprisoned [Ariel] didst remain a dozen years" (1.2.300 & 330-332). Prospero reminds Ariel of the good he has done so that he continues to serve in good faith. He reminds Ariel of the length of time in which he was imprisoned, as one would do to soften a blow, trying to make the dozen years trapped in a tree seem malicious compared to the rather free like he is living now. Not only is Ariel serving out of gratitude, but also out of the promise of freedom in the near future. Prospero orders of him, after explaining the task, "Do so, and after two days I will discharge thee" (1.2.355-356). The end goal of discharge allows Ariel to complete his tasks with a gracious attitude, and this attitude also contributes to the better treatment he receives from Prospero. Conversely, Ariel is assigned much more meaningful and less harmful tasks, and it not sent torturing spirits along the way. Prospero has Ariel help in his magical ways and more sophisticated plans, like the elaborate plan of him taking back his rightful dukedom. "Go make thyself like a nymph o' th' sea. Be subject to no sight but thine and mine, invisible to every eyeball else" (1.2.359-361). He is having Ariel aid in his torment of the sailors in the other scenes of the play, on board a ship with those who stole away his title of Duke. He is also relating the intimacy of their relationship, stating that no one is to see him but he, and no one knows of the master plan but he and