The Tempest | Ariel
Commentary on Ariel has tended to speculate about his nature and to suggest possible sources for his original and unique characterization. The following excerpts explore the character of Ariel.
Commentary on Ariel has tended to speculate about his nature and to suggest possible sources for his original and unique characterization. In 1811 August Wilhelm Schlegel was the first to identify Ariel with the element of air, contrasting him with Caliban, who is linked with the lower element of earth. And, while Schlegel was careful not to reduce Ariel or any other characters in the play to simple allegory, symbolic studies of this creature have abounded in modern criticism.
W. Stacy Johnson
[In the following essay, Johnson surveys the many possible sources for the...
[The entire page is 6893 words long]
Join eNotes
The above is a free excerpt. Get total access to this content with the:
Summary and Analysis – Themes – Characters – And much more...
Navigate
See Also:
- - For teachers, the The Tempest Lesson Plan.
- - Read the The Tempest text online.
- - The Tempest summary and study guide in the eNotes.
Tell a friend about The Tempest at eNotes.
- Add The Tempest to your favorites