Relationships with Tools

Gerardo Salguero

Mr. Abraham

Honors American Literature

28 September, 2017

Relationships with Tools

                      In The Tempest by William Shakespeare, Prospero is an exiled duke who has lived on the island for 12 years with his daughter named Miranda. Prospero’s two servants are Ariel and Caliban. Their relationships with Prospero aren't so good, in terms that both are considered as slaves. The relationship with Ariel, is futile with her trapped as a slave. Same for Caliban, his relationship with Próspero is based on darkness.

                    With Próspero's relationship with Ariel being futile is because she is forced to work for him mostly because she has a kind enough heart to return the favor of her release from imprisonment. “All hail, great master! Grave sir, hail! I come to answer thy best pleasure.” (1,2,192-3 ) Ariel was imprisoned in a tree by a witch named Sycorax and when Próspero had gotten on the island she was said by him,but her freedom came with a price.She had to be under Prospero's bidding for a certain amount of time then to eventually be released. This gave Próspero an advantage with using her magic his his bidding.When that time came she was rejected of her freedom and was stuck with him a little longer. “Remember I have done thee worthy service, told thee no lies, made no mistakings, served without or grudge or grumblings. Thou did promise to bate me a full year.” (1,2,249-52)

                     The relationship with Caliban and Próspero is based on darkness because Caliban is a man who is under Prospero's spell and it controlled at his will. Yet Caliban was the son of Sycorax, which also makes have magic, he is still foolish enough to be under Prospero's spell. “ I must obey. His art of such power it would control my dam’s god, Setebos, and make a vassal for him.” (1,2,376-78) Even though Caliban is under his spell, he tried to rape Miranda , Prospero's daughter, he started questioning himself of his magic was slowly getting weaker, letting Caliban to start thinking about taken the island which is rightfully his. “ I must eat dinner. This island is mine by Sycorax, my mother, which thou tak’st from me.” (1,2,334-6)