![]() #Ariel the tempest how toThis is a transcript from the video series How to Read and Understand Shakespeare. Yet who counsels him towards mercy? It is Ariel. ![]() But Prospero does not, because forgiveness and reconciliation are at the heart of the spirit of these romance plays. He says, “At this hour / Lies at my mercy all my enemies.” Richard III or Cassius or perhaps even the admirable Henry V would not hesitate to wipe out these enemies. Ariel is the principal figure in the elaborate testing that goes on throughout the play: the test of Ferdinand’s love for Miranda, the test of the court party and their requisite punishment and then forgiveness and he is also, and this is very important, the ultimate test for Prospero himself.Īt the very end of Act 4, Prospero makes a rather chilling comment. How does he achieve it?Īriel’s meanings extend far beyond that of servant, as his actions and powers on the island attest. In The Tempest, Ariel is instrumental in bringing about transformation in Prospero. Some scholars have said that Caliban is more of a rough field slave whereas Ariel is more of a refined house servant. Ariel is commanded by Prospero and is not given what he desires most-his freedom. In some ways, Ariel in The Tempest is parallel to Caliban. ![]() (Image: Angelica Kauffman/Public domain) Ariel and Prospero in The Tempest ![]() In The Tempest, Shakespeare tests Ferdinand’s love for Miranda. What does he say to Prospero? Why does Prospero listen to him? Let us see how Prospero leaves the path of vengeance. He makes his master realize the importance of forgiveness and mercy, which gives the spiritual element to the play. Conner, Ph.D., Washington and Lee University Ariel plays a crucial role in The Tempest. ![]()
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