For example, Ariel is a spirit that Prospero freed from the trunk of a tree whilst on the island. He did this so that the spirit could serve him, and help develop his art. The first time the reader sees the relationship between Ariel and Prospero, in Act 1 Scene 2 the spirit addresses Prospero as “great master“, without being prompted by the magician. When calling Ariel, shortly beforehand Prospero calls “servant come! I am ready now. ” We immediately see the connection between these characters, and the part of the relationship that the spirit will fulfil throughout the play. It is again Prospero that has taken the governing roll in the relationship between him and another character.
Ariel addresses her master as sir on countless occasions during the scene, but not once is she/he prompted to do this by Prospero, nor is she ordered to obey, unlike Miranda who is constantly reminded that she is in the presence of her father, who was once Duke of Milan, Someone who she is expected to serve, and …show more content…
In conclusion, it is clear that Prospero is the most dominant and powerful character in the Tempest, as we are constantly shown, but there are many more characters that are involved with the force of ownership throughout the play. It seems strange that after so little time on the island, the relationships between the islanders are formed around the idea of power and ownership, and what they can do at the expense of their companions to benefit themselves.
The characters still believe they have the same status and responsibilities on the island as they did when they were in Naples and Milan, all though there is no government and no dynasty where this can be reflected there is still a class system where this is enforced.
The characters are not disturbed in the slightest by what has happened to them in the previous few hours, or what may happen to them in the next few. Shakespeare shows us that, because of their arrogance they believe they are still of the same significance on the island as back on the main land of Europe. They may never see Italy again but this does not cross the minds of the majority of islanders, and this is