The relationship between Prospero and Ariel is curious. First, their names have interesting connotations. Prospero is reminiscent of the verb "to prosper" - suggesting magic and conjuration, while Ariel, described as a "spirit of the air" in the character list, has a name that informs the audience that he belongs to the elements and can be considered a demigod. Despite this high status, Ariel is obedient to her "noble master", even though he conducts much of Prospero's magic. While there may be a bond of friendship and mutual respect between the two characters, it soon becomes clear that Prospero is actually in control of Ariel, who acts not unlike a right-hand man. Ariel's use of "lord" and "master" to address Prospero provides evidence of Prospero's authority and power over his subjects. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayAriel appears to be indebted to Prospero, a fact emphasized to the audience by his exaggerated language. Shakespeare's use of hyperbole to force the idea that Ariel serves Prospero is very effective. For example: "Hello everyone, great master!" and “I come to answer your best pleasure,” portray Ariel almost as a flatterer of her master, desperate to appease him. This is continually reinforced throughout the scene, with Ariel's responses to Prospero's questions becoming increasingly elaborate: 'Not a hair has died; on their supporting robes there is not a stain," is Ariel's response when Prospero asks him if all those trapped in the storm are still alive. This use of exaggerated tone and overtly descriptive language intrigues the audience, as one wonders why Ariel might feel such an intense need to appease Prospero. The text answers this question by stating that Prospero freed Ariel from the "evil witch Sycorax." he responds to Ariel's request for freedom by declaring him an "evil thing", reducing him to an inanimate object. He continues by asking: "do you forget what torment I freed you from?" When Ariel replies "no", Prospero still takes the opportunity to tell how much it was compassionate towards Ariel, highlighting the ways in which Sycorax imposed his "age and envy" to imprison Ariel inside a tree "painfully" for "a dozen years". ' Prospero uses sarcasm and rhetorical questions: "or was it so?" to ensure that Ariel endures by reiterating how "he did you a worthy service, told you no lies, made no mistakes to you" and "served without rancor or complaint". Shakespeare successfully uses imagery to suggest Prospero's dominance over Ariel. Prospero, who initially treats Ariel in a way that reflects admiration, soon begins to use threatening imagery in an attempt to convince Ariel that he must do his duty or face severe punishment. Prospero threatens, “If you murmur again, I will tear down an oak, and nail you to its gnarled paths, until you have howled for twelve winters.” The use of metaphor when stating "your groans made the wolves howl and penetrated the bear's breast" in reference to Sycorax's imprisonment of Ariel accentuates the idea that Prospero acted as Ariel's deliverer. In Act I, scene 2, Prospero suggests that Ariel is greatly indebted to his master. While it is clear to the audience that Prospero has been hypocritical towards Ariel by enslaving him in much the same way as Sycorax (even though she simply imprisoned him), Ariel is forced to continue serving Prospero. After Prospero's ominous warning, Ariel returns to her ownoriginal submission: 'That is my noble master. What shall I do? What. What shall I do?' However, Prospero does not treat Ariel as one who is among the last in the Jacobean social order – like Caliban – but predominantly as a respected servant, ensuring that he remains in control but also eager to praise his 'characteristic Ariel.' Prospero's tone is one of delight and pleasure at Ariel's magic – "well, that's my spirit." Instead of outright ordering Ariel to do his bidding, Prospero simply suggests that it is his duty to do as he says: " Ariel, your task has been carried out exactly." But there is more work.' Ariel, meanwhile, generally responds with obedience. Ariel is not the "moody" character as Prospero describes him when he timidly asks for his "freedom", but is rather energetic and enthusiastic in a charming way such as 'flaming amazement' and 'thunderbolts of Jupiter' – a vision of Ariel's potential power – an idea. which immediately prompts the audience to recognize that Prospero cannot rule Ariel solely as a servant. There is an aspect to Ariel that separates him from the mundane world of humans. Although he may be subject to the wizard, his magic is more natural and of order superior to that of the powers learned from books. Ariel is associated with the power of the elements; images such as "flame", "thunder", "spirits" and "sea nymph" reinforce the idea that he is a pure figure, a child of nature. As Prospero ultimately presides over Ariel, the audience is made aware that the relationship between the two cannot be so simply defined as master/slave. Prospero needs Ariel's magic, while Ariel needs him to earn her freedom. Shakespeare presents the concept of mutual dependence in this scene such that as the play unfolds and everyone achieves their goals, the conclusion is not foreign to the audience, but rather relates back to the beginning of the play. Ariel is presented more favorably than his master Prospero. in Act I, scene 2. Although Prospero is expected to have a positive influence on the island due to the fact that he himself was usurped from power and took on the role of leader of the island due to his status noble, we must consider Prospero's disruption of the natural order. Although Prospero has apparently convinced himself that he has the right to rule over Ariel, which in turn raises the question of whether Prospero can be considered a "good" character or not, he has dominated the natural world of Arial and is Ariel's rightful heir . the island of Caliban. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In Act I, scene 2, Shakespeare presents Ariel as powerful and submissive, committed to the cause of his master, Prospero. Their relationship is one of mutual dependence, but is ultimately governed by Prospero, who constantly exerts his authority over Ariel. The introduction of Ariel is important as it symbolizes the beauty of the island. It is clear that Ariel, perhaps like the island, wishes to be rid of the meddling Prospero, but realizes that he must obey his 'master': 'Sorry, master, I will correspond to your command, and do my duty'. spirit sweetly." Ariel's obedience to Prospero signifies the latter's continued abuse of power; he uses Ariel's magic to cause disturbances, but is unwilling to grant Ariel his rightful freedom. The appearance of Ariel as a natural and powerful person, but under Prospero's dictatorship, implies that he is governed unjustly..