Ariel in The Tempest: The Enslaved Spirit’s Struggle for Freedom

Ariel is a magical, airy spirit who serves Prospero. He is a key figure in The Tempest and acts as Prospero’s chief agent, carrying out his commands and making his elaborate plans a reality. Ariel’s character is defined by his magical abilities, his subservience to Prospero, and his deep longing for freedom. Although he possesses extraordinary powers to manipulate the elements and influence the thoughts and actions of others, his existence is tethered to the will of his master, creating a complex dynamic between servitude and autonomy. Throughout the play, Ariel demonstrates a wide array of talents, from conjuring storms to orchestrating illusions, showcasing not only the depth of his magical prowess but also the responsibility that comes with such gifts. His yearning for liberty becomes a poignant theme, illustrating the struggle between obligation and the desire for self-determination, ultimately raising questions about the nature of power, control, and the cost of freedom.

Here’s a detailed look at the character of Ariel:

The Servant and the Enslaved Spirit
Ariel was previously imprisoned in a cloven pine tree by the witch Sycorax for refusing to do her evil bidding, enduring countless years of torment and isolation within its twisted branches. Prospero, upon arriving on the island and recognizing Ariel’s potential, freed him from this torment with a promise of loyalty and service. In return for his rescue, Ariel became Prospero’s servant, bound to fulfill the tasks set before him, no matter how challenging or morally ambiguous they may be. This relationship is one of master and slave, although it is a more complex dynamic than Prospero’s relationship with Caliban, who represents a different kind of resistance and raw power. Ariel is fiercely loyal and largely obedient, yet he constantly reminds Prospero of his promise to eventually grant him his freedom, demonstrating an underlying tension in their interactions. Prospero, in turn, often reminds Ariel of his debt, invoking the threat of retribution by suggesting he could imprison him again if he dares to disobey. This back-and-forth between master and servant not only highlights Ariel’s powerful desire for independence but also illustrates the struggle for autonomy and agency within a relationship steeped in power imbalance, as Ariel yearns for the day when he can break free from his servitude and reclaim his place in the world.

The Master of Magic
Ariel is an incredibly powerful spirit who is able to perform a wide range of magical tasks, making him one of the most fascinating entities in the realm of magic. With a profound mastery of the elements, he can manipulate the weather at will, conjuring storms or calming tempests with a mere thought. His ability to appear in various forms allows him to adapt to any situation, whether as a towering figure of might or a gentle breeze that whispers secrets to those who listen. He possesses the gift of invisibility, granting him the power to move unseen among mortals, observing their actions and thoughts without interference. Furthermore, Ariel’s extraordinary speed enables him to traverse vast distances in the blink of an eye, making journeys that would take humans days to accomplish mere moments for him. Through these remarkable abilities, he weaves a tapestry of enchantment and intrigue, drawing both admiration and curiosity from those who dare to believe in the magic he embodies.

• The Tempest: Ariel is the one who, at Prospero’s command, conjures the storm that gives the play its name. He boards the royal ship, creating a spectacular and terrifying illusion that convinces everyone on board that they are in mortal danger.
• The Harpy: In one of the most powerful scenes, Ariel appears as a fearsome harpy to Alonso, Antonio, and Sebastian. He condemns them for their past crimes, causing them to descend into a state of guilt and despair.
• The Musician and Spy: Ariel’s magical powers extend to music and sound. He uses enchanting music to guide Ferdinand to Miranda and to lull other characters to sleep. He also acts as Prospero’s invisible spy, reporting on the plots of the island’s inhabitants.
• The Moral Conscience
  Despite being a spirit without a human body or emotions, Ariel seems to possess a capacity for empathy and compassion that is often lacking in the human characters. When he reports on the suffering of the shipwrecked nobles, he expresses pity, telling Prospero, “If you now beheld them, your affections would become tender.” This comment is a turning point for Prospero, who, after hearing it, decides that “The rarer action is / In virtue than in vengeance.” In this way, Ariel acts as Prospero’s moral conscience, guiding him toward forgiveness and away from revenge.
• The Symbol of Freedom
  Ariel is a constant symbol of freedom and the power of imagination. His constant yearning to be “as free as mountain winds” is a powerful motif throughout the play. The play ends with Prospero’s final act of generosity, when he grants Ariel his freedom. Ariel’s final lines, promising to ensure a safe journey home for the royal party before he flies away “to the ends of the earth,” provide a sense of closure and liberation, for both the spirit and for Prospero himself.
• The Catalyst for Change: Throughout the play, Ariel acts as a catalyst for transformation, pushing other characters toward self-discovery and change. His interventions often prompt critical realizations in characters, particularly in Ferdinand and Prospero.
• A Master of Disguise: Ariel’s ability to change form allows him to interact with characters in various guises. Whether appearing as a spirit, a harpy, or music, he adeptly influences the play’s events, illustrating his versatility and cunning.
• The Connection to Nature: As a spirit of the air, Ariel symbolizes the natural elements within the play. His interactions with the environment emphasize the theme of man’s relationship with nature and the supernatural.
• The Theme of Duty: Ariel’s servitude to Prospero reflects the theme of duty and loyalty. Although he desires freedom, he fulfills his obligations faithfully, demonstrating the complexity of his character and his desire to please his master.
• The Power of Illusion: Ariel’s ability to create illusions speaks to the greater theme of appearance versus reality in “The Tempest.” His magical prowess highlights how perceptions can be manipulated, forcing characters to confront their true selves.
• The Voice of the Island: As the embodiment of the island’s spirit, Ariel serves as its voice. He mediates between the natural world and the human characters, underscoring the play’s exploration of power dynamics between humans and the supernatural.