The Tempest Group

Question:

emilysable
emilysable
Student
High School - 9th Grade

In "The Tempest," what is the relationship between Prospero and Ariel in Act 1 Scene 2 lines 189-260?

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Posted by emilysable on Monday November 19, 2007 at 9:18 AM and tagged with act 1 scene 2, ariel, characters, prospero, relationship, the tempest.

Answers:


  1. malibrarian Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    This scene clearly demonstrates the subservience of Ariel to Prospero.  Ariel creates the storm, as ordered by Prospero, then comes back and reports his success to Prospero.  Prospero then tells Ariel that he has more work for him to do, which makes Ariel mad, as he was supposed to be freed from servitude to Prospero.  Prospero threatens him with 12 more years of servitude if Ariel doesn't quit his complaining.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/tempest/act-scene-2-lines-189-320-s...

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    Posted by malibrarian on Monday November 19, 2007 at 1:33 PM

  2. malenig
    malenig

    eNotes Editor

    Ariel has great admiration and respect for his master, Prospero.  He addresses Prospero with the words, "All hail, great master, grave sir, hail!"  He also obeys to the letter all the commands of Prospero and enjoys telling him in detail how he carried out his plan. He delights in serving and pleasing Prospero.  In turn, Prospero is greatly pleased with Ariel. When Prospero tells Ariel there is more to do, Ariel is disappointed because he believes he has earned his liberty, which Prospero had promised him.  Prospero rebukes Ariel sternly, almost as a parent would a child.  However, it is obvious that Ariel feels shame for demanding freedom when Prospero still needs him.  He answers Prospero's questions with very short answers which suggest shame and remorse. He is reminded by Prospero how the witch, Sycorax, had imprisoned him (Ariel) in a "cloven pine," and how Prospero had freed him from this torment; thus Ariel is bound to Prospero by ties of gratitude.

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    Posted by malenig on Saturday August 9, 2008 at 8:37 PM