Which Statement Best Expresses How Prospero Treats Ariel

Which Statement Best Expresses How Prospero Treats Ariel? A Complex Master-Servant Relationship in The Tempest

Shakespeare's The Tempest presents a multifaceted relationship between Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan, and Ariel, the airy spirit bound to his service. While superficially appearing as a straightforward master-servant dynamic, the nuances of their interaction are far more complex and open to interpretation. This essay will delve into the various facets of Prospero's treatment of Ariel, examining arguments for both benevolent and tyrannical interpretations, ultimately arguing that Prospero's treatment, though undeniably coercive, is also marked by a peculiar blend of dependency and manipulation, reflecting the ambiguous nature of power itself.

The Apparent Tyrant: Prospero's Control and Threats

Many interpretations emphasize Prospero's tyrannical control over Ariel. This perspective highlights Prospero's use of magic to imprison and dominate the sprite. The very act of confining Ariel within a cloven pine tree for twelve years speaks volumes about the imbalance of power. Prospero wields his magic as a tool of absolute authority, using it to enforce obedience and punish disobedience. His threats, like the chilling promise to confine Ariel "in the deepest sea" if he rebels, underscore this coercive aspect of their relationship. These threats are not idle; they represent the very real power Prospero possesses over Ariel's very existence.

The Language of Domination: Prospero's Commands and Ariel's Responses

The language used in their interactions reinforces the master-servant dynamic. Prospero's commands are often abrupt and demanding, devoid of any warmth or consideration. Phrases like "Come hither, spirit," "Hence, mine eyes," and "Be't so, be't so," reveal his assertive, almost dismissive attitude towards Ariel. Ariel's responses, while seemingly compliant, often contain subtle hints of resentment and weariness. His repeated pleas for freedom, even veiled within his obedience, subtly challenge Prospero's absolute rule.

Exploiting Ariel's Vulnerability: The Ethics of Enslavement

The ethical implications of Prospero's control are undeniable. He maintains control over Ariel not through earned loyalty or mutual respect, but through fear and coercion. The power imbalance is stark, leaving Ariel with limited agency and autonomy. This enslavement, regardless of Ariel's supernatural nature, raises questions about the morality of Prospero's actions and his own claim to moral authority. Does his righteous pursuit of revenge justify his subjugation of another being? This remains a central point of critical debate.

The Benevolent Master?: Prospero's Promises and Gratitude

Conversely, some argue that Prospero's treatment of Ariel, despite its coercive nature, contains elements of benevolence. Prospero does, after all, promise Ariel freedom. This promise, while delayed and conditional, suggests a recognition of Ariel's value and a potential path towards liberation. The fact that Prospero doesn't permanently exploit Ariel and eventually releases him indicates a level of consideration, or at least, pragmatism. Furthermore, Prospero occasionally expresses gratitude for Ariel's service, acknowledging his abilities and efforts.

The Conditional Promise of Freedom: A Strategic Calculation or Genuine Compassion?

However, the promise of freedom should be analyzed within the context of Prospero's overall goals. The promise is not a gift freely given, but rather a strategic tool used to motivate Ariel and ensure his continued cooperation. The freedom offered is conditional upon Ariel's complete and unquestioning obedience. This suggests that Prospero's benevolence is instrumental rather than genuine, a calculated means to achieve his own ends.

A Master's Debt: Prospero's Gratitude and Ariel's Agency

While Prospero expresses gratitude, this gratitude is a complex acknowledgment. It seems to be bound to the transactional nature of their relationship. Prospero thanks Ariel for his services, but this gratitude doesn't translate to real autonomy or consideration for Ariel's desires. It's a master appreciating a skilled tool, rather than a recognition of an individual's intrinsic worth. This further emphasizes that the power dynamic remains firmly in Prospero's favor.

The Complex Interplay of Power and Dependency: A Unique Bond

Ultimately, the relationship between Prospero and Ariel is neither purely tyrannical nor purely benevolent. It is a complex interplay of power, manipulation, and a peculiar kind of dependency. Prospero relies on Ariel's magical abilities to achieve his goals, highlighting a reciprocal reliance despite the coercive nature of their interaction. Ariel, despite his yearning for freedom, also seems reliant on Prospero, as his very existence is intertwined with Prospero's magic. This inherent dependency limits Ariel's ability to openly defy Prospero, creating a dynamic of precarious balance.

A Shared Fate: The Intertwined Destinies of Master and Servant

Their shared fate, bound together by magic, shapes the nature of their relationship. Prospero needs Ariel's power to achieve his revenge and reclaim his dukedom; Ariel needs Prospero's magic for survival and, arguably, for the potential for freedom. This mutual dependency creates a unique bond, different from a purely master-servant relationship, yet still underpinned by an inherent power imbalance.

The Illusion of Choice: Ariel's Limited Agency

While Ariel exhibits moments of independence, they are often carefully calculated and strategically deployed within the confines of Prospero's control. His subtle defiance and pleas for freedom highlight a longing for agency, a yearning for a choice that is never truly granted. Even in his "freedom," Ariel remains marked by his past, his very nature bound to the magical world Prospero controls.

The Ambiguity of Power: A Reflection of Shakespearean Themes

Prospero's treatment of Ariel reflects larger themes in The Tempest – the ambiguity of power, the limitations of human control, and the enduring complexities of human relationships. Prospero, while wielding immense power, is not without vulnerability or limitations. His desire for revenge, his use of magic, and his very act of controlling Ariel expose his own inherent flaws and vulnerabilities.

The Limits of Control: Prospero's Human Imperfections

His attempt to exert absolute control, mirrored in his treatment of Caliban, ultimately reveals the limits of human power. He may command spirits, but he cannot control the unpredictable currents of human nature or the complex interplay of emotions. His eventual act of relinquishing his magic signifies a realization of this fundamental limitation.

A Reflection of Colonialism?

The relationship also allows for a post-colonial reading. Ariel, as an ethereal being, represents the colonized, while Prospero acts as the colonizer. The imposition of Prospero's will, the exploitation of Ariel’s power, and the denial of autonomy parallels the historical realities of colonialism. This reading underscores the ethical complexities embedded within the apparent power dynamic.

Conclusion: A Multifaceted and Enduring Legacy

The question of how Prospero treats Ariel remains open to interpretation. There is no single definitive answer. The relationship is far more complex than a simple binary of benevolence versus tyranny. It is a fascinating exploration of power, dependency, manipulation, and the enduring impact of past actions. Prospero's actions, while arguably exploitative, are also intertwined with a unique bond shaped by mutual reliance and a shared fate. The enduring legacy of their interaction lies not in providing a simple moral judgment, but in prompting a deeper reflection on the complexities of human relationships and the inherent ambiguity of power itself. This intricate interplay continues to resonate with readers and scholars, ensuring the enduring relevance and fascination of The Tempest.