Stagings
Interpretation/
Critic
Ariel Quote
Possible Essay Question:
‘Ariel displays more humanity than a lot of the human characters’. [30]
Ariel being a victim of colonial cruelty
Pesta- ‘a victim of colonial cruelty’
He is subject to the patriarchal control of the Western World
His ‘power’ is usurped by the Protagonist Prospero.
Staging: 2013 Globe Theatre
- A clear binary opposition between wrathful Prospero and more
subdued Ariel
- Prospero: desperate to have vengeance (link power)
- Ariel: passive, subdued nature displays humanity
Despite oppression, he remains the moral compass
Shows compassion towards Prospero and respect
Quote: ‘All hail, great master!’
Catalyst for forgiveness in the play: prompts Prospero’s shift from
vengeance to forgiveness.
Quote: ‘Mine would, sir, were I human’
Jacobean Audience ~ not benevolent
Different interpretation: Jacobean Audience
May not view Ariel in this benevolent way- portrayed as a bat in Art
Association with ‘occult’ may be symbolic of witchcraft: dangerous, a
supernatural influence.
Aligns with the Era’s fear of witchcraft ~ he is not humane
Interpretation/
Critic
Ariel Quote
Possible Essay Question:
‘Ariel displays more humanity than a lot of the human characters’. [30]
Ariel being a victim of colonial cruelty
Pesta- ‘a victim of colonial cruelty’
He is subject to the patriarchal control of the Western World
His ‘power’ is usurped by the Protagonist Prospero.
Staging: 2013 Globe Theatre
- A clear binary opposition between wrathful Prospero and more
subdued Ariel
- Prospero: desperate to have vengeance (link power)
- Ariel: passive, subdued nature displays humanity
Despite oppression, he remains the moral compass
Shows compassion towards Prospero and respect
Quote: ‘All hail, great master!’
Catalyst for forgiveness in the play: prompts Prospero’s shift from
vengeance to forgiveness.
Quote: ‘Mine would, sir, were I human’
Jacobean Audience ~ not benevolent
Different interpretation: Jacobean Audience
May not view Ariel in this benevolent way- portrayed as a bat in Art
Association with ‘occult’ may be symbolic of witchcraft: dangerous, a
supernatural influence.
Aligns with the Era’s fear of witchcraft ~ he is not humane
