Ariel was imprisoned in a tree.
The Spirit's Captivity
Before the arrival of Prospero on the island, the airy spirit Ariel was trapped within a cleft pine tree. This harsh imprisonment was inflicted upon him by the malicious witch Sycorax, the mother of Caliban, who had previously ruled the island. Ariel endured this confinement for a period of twelve years due to his refusal to carry out Sycorax's "earthy and abhorred commands."
This act of cruelty highlights Sycorax's tyrannical nature and her dark magic, setting the stage for Prospero's eventual intervention. Ariel's long suffering within the tree underscores the immense power of the magic wielded by both Sycorax and, subsequently, Prospero.
Release and New Servitude
Upon his arrival on the island, the exiled Duke Prospero discovered Ariel's plight. Possessing his own formidable magical abilities, Prospero used his power to release Ariel from the tree where he had been painfully confined. In gratitude for his liberation, Ariel became Prospero's loyal servant, bound by a promise of eventual freedom once all of Prospero's magical tasks were completed. This dynamic forms a central aspect of their relationship throughout the narrative, showcasing Ariel's yearning for liberty against his powerful master's demands.
To summarize Ariel's imprisonment:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Object of Imprisonment | A tree (specifically, a cleft pine) |
| Imprisoner | Sycorax |
| Duration | 12 years |
| Liberator | Prospero |
