Freedom and Servitude in Shakespeares The Tempest Essay

Freedom and Servitude in Shakespeares The Tempest What is slavery? Is it an institution? A mental state? A physical state? Is it human nature? Or is, â€Å"†¦slavery is†¦an inherent, natural and eternal inheritance of a large portion of the human race† (Ruskin 307). Whether or not any one of these options is true, the fact remains that each says something about humanity. Therefore, when a play like The Tempest comes along, centering on the themes of freedom and servitude, one must look for the commentary that is thereby produced, keeping in mind that Shakespeare rarely lacked commentary. Of course, in Shakespeare’s way, there are several characters introduced within this theme. Hence, I pose the question: Who is the slave?†¦show more content†¦Ariel does, at times, complain – hoping for its pending freedom. But through discipline and sometimes anger, Prospero reminds the spirit of how much good has been done for it already: Pros. Dost thou forget From what torment I did free thee? Ar. No. Pros. Thou dost, and think’st it much to tread the ooze Of the salt deep, To run upon the sharp wind of the north, To do me business in the veins o’th’ earth When it is baked with frost. Ar. I do not, sir. Pros. Thou liest, malignant thing. Hast thou forgot The foul witch Sycorax, who with age and envy Was grown into a hoop? Hast thou forgot her? Ar. No, sir. [1.2.252-261] Ariel is therefore constrained by this sense of debt and obligation that Prospero creates in its mind. Nonetheless, the spirit is typically seen as the dutiful servant by carrying out the orders given entirely, and usually without comment. â€Å"Ariel is the spirit of generous and free-hearted service, in early stages of human society oppressed by ignorance and wild tyranny† (Ruskin 307). 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