Freedom and Confinement

The theme of confinement and freedom are both constantly literally and figuratively portrayed throughout William Shakespeares The Tempest. Starting with Ariel who became a slave to Prospero when was saved from imprisonment from the evil witch Sycorax. There was also caliban, the only native inhabitant of the island, who became a slave to Prospero when was taught language, and later tried to rape Miranda.

Caliban is the only native inhabitant of the Island. When Prospero and Miranda first washed up on shore, Caliban showed them how to survive in the island. In return, Propsero taught Caliban to speak, suggesting that Caliban had never known language before. We later learn the Caliban tried to rape Miranda in an attempt to "people the island with a bunch of little Calibans." This act is ofcourse inexcusable, which justifies Prospero's treatment towards Caliban. "I pitied thee, took pains to make thee speak, taught thee each hour one thing or other: when thou didst not, savage, know thine own meaning, but wouldst gabble like a thing most brutish, I endow'd thy purposes with words that made them known." says Prospero about Caliban.

Ariel views Prospero with respect and even love. He does his bidding knowing that it will make him happy and proud, and that she will also recieve her freedom. Prospero, on the other hand, has never thought of actually granting her freedom. In fact, he keeps the spirit doing his bidding by threatening to return him to the suffering from which he came.

Prospero's most noble spirit servant is Ariel. Ariel was imprisoned in a pine tree by the evil witch Sycorax because the "delicate" spirit didn't have the heart to do her bidding. Prospero then saved Ariel from confinement, and to show his gratitude, became Prospero's slave. We later learn that Ariel is a servant by nature, he mainly wants his freedom that Prospero has been promising. "I prithee, remember I have done thee worthy service; Told thee no lies, made thee no mistakings,...