Act One scene two - Ariel Read lines 189 – 305 What ideas do you have about Ariel’s feelings towards Prospero?

Prospero’s Power: lines How does Shakespeare use Ariel to: Reveal more of Prospero's power* Show Ariel’s fear of Prospero Imply that Prospero’s plan is benign Introduce the theme of renewal Introduce Ariel’s resentment of Prospero *You will need to consider Luke 12:7 here – “But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows” (King James Version)

Sigmund Freud: Psychoanalysis Suggests that the human character has more than one part. The Id: the primitive and instinctive (i.e. impulsive/ unconscious) elements of personality The Ego: initially 'that part of the id which has been modified by the direct influence of the external world' (Freud 1923). The superego: The superego's function is to control the id's impulses, especially those which society forbids, such as sexual desire and aggression. It also has the function of persuading the ego to turn to moralistic goals rather than simply realistic ones and to strive for perfection Some critics think that Ariel and Caliban represent two sides of Prospero’s consciousness. In what ways might Ariel represent the superego? AO5 – alternative interpretation

The dramatic importance of Sycorax (lines 246 – 380) How does Prospero use the story of Sycorax to control Ariel? What might Shakespeare be suggesting about history and storytelling here? What structural and linguistic devices does Shakespeare use to show Prospero’s cruelty? What other echoes can you find between Prospero and Sycorax’s stories? (you could even look at language patterning e.g. repetition of the word “howl”

Submission and rebellion What do you notice about the balance between submission and rebellion in the scene? What might Shakespeare be showing us about Prospero’s power?

Critic: Margreta da Grazia “Not only are [Prospero and Sycorax’s] histories similar and their powers interchangeable, but both sorceress and magician are driven by the same passion – anger” Do you agree with this interpretation of the play? AO5 – alternative interpretation