Essay Question
In a well structured essay, compare and contrast Prospero’s two servants: Ariel and Caliban, and
comment on why the critics often describe them as foils for each other. Refer to both the
accompanying visuals and the play closely in support of your response. -550 words-
Take note of the key part to the question: Compare and contrast Prospero’s two servants: Ariel and
Caliban. This means that you must talk about each character individually and then discuss any
similarities and how they deal with each other - therefore explaining the relationship - strained as it
may be.
Character foil definition: Character who contrasts with another character
Ariel Caliban
Sprite - can control the elements Earthly monster.
- shape-shifter Son of a Sycorax. Native to the island.
Does well to follow commands Hates to follow command of Prospero.
- happy to serve Prospero*.
Has a conscience Doesn’t have a conscience.
Caliban is evil - tries to hurt Miranda.
Did not want to serve Sycrorax (witch) -stuck inside a tree.
-saved by Prospero*. Forced by Prospero to do his bidding.
Can therefore seen that he is a part of nature. - calls Caliban, “slave” several times.
Singer. (alluring and powerful). Associated with: Given most lyrical quotes.
Music.
Ethereal and refined - made of air and fire Most complex character
(higher order of elements) Evil yet comedic - when drunk on wine.
Monster- fishlike/savage (animal)
= by others.
(lower order of elements - earth)
Half monster-half human
Listen to what he says about himself.
Wants revenge.
Noble and good Foul and wicked (Fair is foul and foul is
fair - difference between the
two = famous saying for the
supernatural witches in
Shakespeares literary universe)
In a well structured essay, compare and contrast Prospero’s two servants: Ariel and Caliban, and
comment on why the critics often describe them as foils for each other. Refer to both the
accompanying visuals and the play closely in support of your response. -550 words-
Take note of the key part to the question: Compare and contrast Prospero’s two servants: Ariel and
Caliban. This means that you must talk about each character individually and then discuss any
similarities and how they deal with each other - therefore explaining the relationship - strained as it
may be.
Character foil definition: Character who contrasts with another character
Ariel Caliban
Sprite - can control the elements Earthly monster.
- shape-shifter Son of a Sycorax. Native to the island.
Does well to follow commands Hates to follow command of Prospero.
- happy to serve Prospero*.
Has a conscience Doesn’t have a conscience.
Caliban is evil - tries to hurt Miranda.
Did not want to serve Sycrorax (witch) -stuck inside a tree.
-saved by Prospero*. Forced by Prospero to do his bidding.
Can therefore seen that he is a part of nature. - calls Caliban, “slave” several times.
Singer. (alluring and powerful). Associated with: Given most lyrical quotes.
Music.
Ethereal and refined - made of air and fire Most complex character
(higher order of elements) Evil yet comedic - when drunk on wine.
Monster- fishlike/savage (animal)
= by others.
(lower order of elements - earth)
Half monster-half human
Listen to what he says about himself.
Wants revenge.
Noble and good Foul and wicked (Fair is foul and foul is
fair - difference between the
two = famous saying for the
supernatural witches in
Shakespeares literary universe)
