LIT4 - Tempest - Ariel - quote analysis

Question 1

the most mighty Neptune seem to besiege, and make his bold waves tremble

Answer 1

-vivid description of the chaos that Ariel caused, possibly emphasising his mischievious behaviour, or depicting it as somewhat terrifying
-godly reference to Neptune, reinforces Ariel’s power

Question 2

I will be correspondent to command and do my spiriting gently

Answer 2

-cowed into submission
-subject to P.’s colonial power, and diminishes his implied power from previously against the nobles on the ship, further emphasising P.’s power
-very intimidated by P. after the emotional torture A. went through

Question 3

Remember I have done thee worthy service…thou didst promise to bate me a full year

Answer 3

-a tonal shift in the extract, where he is more questioning rather than submissive
-accusatory tone by repeated use of “thou” and imperative “Let me remember thee”

Question 4

That’s my noble master! What shall I do? Say what? What shall I do?

Answer 4

-sycophantic/obsequious with questioning
-exhibits a childlike eagerness

Question 5

you three are men of sin

Answer 5

-starts his longest and most powerful speech with accusations against the corrupt nobles
-religious reference to “sin”, highlighting their immoral actions to expose them

Question 6

I and my fellows are ministers of Fate…my fellow ministers are like invulnerable

Answer 6

-Ariel religiously represents “Fate” as a harpy in his speech, giving the notion that God’s justice would inevitably prevail

-reminds them that only repentance (“heart’s sorrow”) can save them, acting as a voice of justice and fairness
-consistently acts out the commands and expresses P.’s views, showing his genuine loyalty

A harpy is a Greek mythological monster, with the head and torso of a woman, and the wings of a bird

Question 7

if you now beheld them, your affections would become tender…mine would sir, were I human

Answer 7

-clearly shows his affectionate side here, and is able to soften P. to encourage him to treat the nobles more kindly, showing the good side of his master
-a Christian message of forgiveness
-honorific used to show his respect

Question 8

Merrily, merrily, shall I live now, under the blossom that hangs on the bough

Answer 8

-repetition of “merrily” in his freedom song shows his gratefulness of soon being freed
-looks forward to a life without winter or servitude, enjoying a well-deserved carefree summer (P. approves of this, as he says “Why that’s my dainty Ariel. I shall miss thee”)

dainty - referring to delicate beauty or grace of either Ariel or the song

Question 9

I drink the air before me, and return or ere your pulse twice beat

Answer 9

-remarkable image of speed in which he will carry out one of P.’s last commands for him
-magnifies the idea that Ariel still has respect for P., even though he is about to leave

or ere - before