Ariel can shapeshift, exert control over the elements, put people under a form of stupor, create powerful illusions, mimic voices perfectly and become invisible to all but himself and Prospero. The question of Ariel's gender - assuming he has one - is left ambiguous in the text and has been subject to considerable debate.
He's referred to by male pronouns, although that happens only twice in the entire text - one of these instances being in a stage direction rather than dialogue. On the other hand, he also assumes the form of a sea nymph and a harpy - both creatures being exclusively female. Being an air spirit, it's likely that Shakespeare intended the character to be viewed as genderless. It's perhaps notable that Miranda - when she admits that, having been raised in the island, she has never seen any men other than her father Prospero and the monstrous Caliban - doesn't mention Ariel.
However, it isn't at all clear whether Miranda is even aware of Ariel's existence, as she never interacts with him or mentions him. There are in fact evidences that Prospero may be actively preventing her from finding out about Ariel. For instance, Prospero sends Miranda off to go to sleep just before summoning Ariel. And when she questions him about the titular tempest, created by magical spells, Prospero speaks as if he had created it himself and omits the fact that he ordered Ariel to do it.
In a latter scene, Miranda does also mention that she's never seen a female face either, other than her own reflection. This would suggest that, if she's aware of Ariel, she considers him to be neither male nor female.
However in this scene, unlike the earlier one, she claims that the only male face she's seen before Ferdinand was that of Prospero - therefore omitting Caliban and implying that she could be talking about human faces specifically. He is enemies with:. Why does Ariel work so hard? Ariel reminds Prospero that he works hard, without complaining or causing upset. He is hoping to be set free a year early as a reward for his obedience. He says:. Ariel can see the good in people. He influences the way Prospero responds to his brother and friends.
He suggests that they seem so frightened that Prospero would soften if he could see them. Ariel leads Prospero to a position of empathy for the other men. We first meet Ariel in Act 1 Scene 2. Here he has just reminded Prospero of his promise to set his servant free. Why does Caliban hate Prospero and Miranda? How does Prospero manipulate Alonso and his company? Why does Prospero give up magic?
Characters Ariel. Previous section Caliban Next section Gonzalo. Popular pages: The Tempest. Take a Study Break.
0コメント