Caliban Vs. Ariel: A Study of Prospero's Dominance

Caliban Vs. Ariel: A Study of Prospero’s Dominance

Whilst reading William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, a careful reader will note the striking abundance of thematic oppositions. Whether comparing magic and scholarship, nature and nurture, or humanity and monstrosity, it appears as though the most heated subjects of contrast are not characters, but instead the more abstract elements, yet this is not the case. One of the more interesting studies in the play is of the characters Ariel and Caliban, two players that, although could not be more superficially disparate, harbor many commonalities in the nature of their situation. Although the characters do not share a similar inception prior to Prospero and Miranda’s arrival, with Ariel having been imprisoned in a tree by the witch Sycorax and Caliban enjoying free reign of the island, both share an opportunity to build a lasting positive relationship with the newcomers. Caliban, enlightened with knowledge of the island, has the ability to lend insight to the more powerful Prospero as to where he can find food and shelter, and in return Prospero could provide him protection and authority. This mutualism leads the reader to predict a strong future. Ariel, conversely, starts the play as an inferior, already owing Prospero for freeing him from the trunk of a pine. Studying the differences between Caliban and Ariel and their relationship with Prospero reveals why the characters end the play in the manner they do. Prospero’s magical dominance over the island leads their standing in the moral and social hierarchies of the island to be dependent on their interactions with their master; given that Prospero rules the island, a rapport with the man atop the societal ladder is the only sure path to independence and, granted that both characters strive for sovereignty, it is important to study how they interact with their master. Ariel realizes he must be loyal and is ultimately promised freedom, and Caliban, having upset Prospero, struggles with subservience the entire play.

In investigating the relationships between Prospero and his two servants, it is of interest to note the differences in the manner in which they communicate with their leader. Shakespeare makes a point to juxtapose Caliban’s introduction with Ariel’s, presenting them in direct succession as to increase their contrast. Considering their servant status, neither character enters the play on his own accord. They are summoned, yet in completely different tones; Ariel is welcomed with “Approach, my Ariel. Come.” (Shakespeare 1.2.223). Prospero connotes a sense of respect by referring to Ariel both possessively and by his rightful name. By specifying that Ariel is his property, he implies pride in ownership. He is not ashamed of public association with Ariel; in fact, it appears as though he enjoys working with the talented spirit. Caliban, on the other hand, is summoned with disdain,