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Sarah Bixler
March 14, 2014
English 112-Nevarez
Period 5
A Covert Influence: An Examination of Power from the Inferior
The beauty of Shakespeare is his ability to captivate his audience by using the power of
imagination and strong suited characters to be the substance of his plays. More importantly, there
are many complex relationships between the characters. One of these can be found in Ariels
servitude to Prospero, a large part of the play. It is the relationship between Prospero, who has
power over the island, and Ariel, who does not have control, that provides complexity and major
plot points to the play. Through the character Ariel and her responsibility as a servant to
Prospero, Shakespeare portrays how in a relationship of disproportionate power, the inferior
subject (Ariel) can have significant, notable influence over the superior subject (Prospero) and
his actions.
This unique relationship, where the inferior has influence over the superior, can first be
found in the scene where Prospero grants Ariel her freedom. When Ariel questioned her request
of freedom, her statement, My Liberty, was bold (I, ii, 245). Although Prospero was initially
critical of Ariels request and excessively reminded her that she was indebted to him, Prospero
did eventually say he would grant Ariel her freedom in just two days following. In response to
Prosperos outrage, an important quality of Ariel is her patience and obedience. She
submissively responds to Prospero, using short phrases and showing respect. In sum, Ariel may
have angered Prospero but he gives her mercy and grants his servant what she wishes. Prospero
proclaims, Yet though shalt have freedom (V, i, 96). Ariels behavior allows her to influence
Prospero because she has made a well-behaved reputation for herself. Thus, Ariel has been the
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aid to her own freedom. This freedom is important because, as of what we know; Ariel has been
under reign of someone else her entire life.
Along with gaining her freedom from Prospero, Ariels influence can also be seen in her
readiness to complete his tasks. This creates a valuable trust between both subjects. It is a well-
known fact in any relationship, there must be trust in order to build a sense of community and a
strong foundation of understanding for each other. Even though it is not evidently displayed,
Ariel impacts Prospero through the trust he has in her. Prospero is confident in the actions he
asks Ariel to carry out, and Ariel has trust that her actions, in which Prospero has commanded
her to do, will be successful. Ariel secures their relationship by constantly being an advocate for
Prospero. She defends him by ridiculing the kings-men. Prospero praises her by saying, Bravely
the figure of this harpy hast thou performed, my Ariel. A grace it had, devouring. Of my
instruction hast thou nothing bated in what thou hadst to say (III, iii, 83-86). Therefore, the
more she does for her master, the more power she has over him and trust they build in each
other. This theory could be used to manipulate Prospero; however, as the loyal and hardworking
spirit she is, Ariel has the best intentions in mind for him.
Towards the end of the play, we see a final but significant influence from Ariel, in which
she essentially persuades Prospero to give up his magic. In this scene, Prospero asks his servant
how the men he is tormenting are doing. She responds by showing an understanding for them.
First, she tells Prosper, that is you now beheld them, your affections would be tender (V, i, 18-
19). To reiterate this, Ariel states, if Prospero saw their conditions, he would feel sorry for them.
She then states, her own sympathetic affections for the men. Consequently, Prospero begins to
question his actions. He reveals, And mind shall, hast thou, which art but air, a touch, a feeling
of their afflictions (V, i, 21-22). Prospero compares himself to Ariel, and realizes he must feel
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sympathy because Ariel, a spirit, feels more remorse than himself, a human. Although it cannot
be determined whether or not Prospero actions were intended from the beginning, this stands as
concrete evidence of a significant influence from Ariel. This succession of events is what led
Prospero to give up his magic and forgive all those who have wronged him before.
Therefore, based on the relationship between Prospero and Ariel, it is
apparent that their statuses in power do not play a significant role in the influence one subject
can have over the other. Admitting Ariel is constantly being used, she is her own being. As seen
in the evidence, Ariel is not Prosperos puppet; she has her own independent thoughts and ideas,
and has the power to influence even who most would think she has no authority to persuade.
Whether Ariel is aware of her influence or not, she breaks the social barrier with her obedience
with her subtle actions. Chiefly, Shakespeare uses Ariel to portray a message of hope to us all.