Compare and contrast the characters Ariel and Caliban.
The Tempest is a notable literary work by William Shakespeare. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Tempest.
Answer
Compare and contrast the characters Ariel and Caliban. or,
What is a major difference in the way that Caliban and Ariel are treated?
“The Tempest” (1623) by William Shakespeare (1564-1616) is a play that explores various themes, including power, authority, and the relationship between the colonizer and the colonized. Ariel and Caliban are two contrasting characters in the play. Each of them represents different aspects of the colonial experience. Arial is a spirit of air, specifically an “airy spirit,” while Caliban is the offspring of the witch Sycorax and the devil.
Origins and Nature: Ariel is a spirit of the air, specifically an “airy spirit” enslaved by the sorcerer Prospero. He has a pathetic personality. Ariel’s nature is aerial and magical. On the other hand, Caliban is the offspring of the witch Sycorax and the devil. He is a creature of darkness and earth. He is often described as a “monster” or “savage.”
Motivations and Desires: Ariel is a spirit of air and a slave of Prospero. He wants to get rid of slavery, but he cannot because twelve years ago, Prospero freed him from the magical force of Sycorax. She turned Ariel into a tree with her magical force. He is Longing for freedom. He is primarily motivated by the promise of freedom from Prospero’s service. His actions are guided by a sense of duty and a hope for eventual liberation. Caliban is harsh and rude in behavior. He has a strong desire to regain control of the island.
Servitude and Freedom: Ariel is a Faithful slave and Affectionate to Prospero. He is depicted as intelligent, obedient, and eager to please Prospero. He is a spirit who serves Prospero, the protagonist and former Duke of Milan. Despite being bound to serve Prospero, Ariel maintains a sense of loyalty and devotion. Ariel’s captivity is not entirely oppressive, as Prospero promises to grant him freedom once his tasks are complete. Then Ariel serves Prospero willingly in gratitude and to achieve eventual freedom:
“All hail,
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