Ariel Poem Summary: Sylvia Plath's Masterpiece Explained

Ariel, a captivating character from Shakespeare's "The Tempest," is known for her powerful speech and enigmatic nature. Her poem, "Where the bee sucks...," encapsulates her character and provides insight into her thoughts and emotions. This article delves into the summary, themes, and literary devices employed in Ariel's poem.

In the opening lines of her monologue, Ariel laments her enslavement to Prospero, expressing her desire for freedom: "Where the bee sucks, there slope the heavy-hipped honey-bees....I must to thee a solo fly." Here, Ariel uses the metaphor of the bee to illustrate her voicelessness and yearning for liberation, drawing a parallel between her and the industrious, free honeybee.

Themes in Ariel's Poem

Ariel's poem showcases several themes, with freedom being the most prominent. Ariel has been confined to serve Prospero for twelve years and pines for liberation, both physically and vocally.

Another significant theme is Ariel's magical nature. As a spirit, she possesses supernatural powers, yet she is bound by Prospero's commands. This theme of magical servitude highlights the power dynamics between Ariel and Prospero, emphasizing her subjugation.

Ariel's Magical Nature

Ariel's magical abilities are evident in herallaric phrases, which are laced with enchantments. Her words "I must to thee a solo fly" exemplify this, as "solo" is an incantatory spell that signifies her intention to escape Prospero's control. This occurrence demonstrates Ariel's dual nature as both a magical being and a slave.

Her manipulation of time, as seen in "And during this, my master watched me," also exhibits her magical prowess. This line suggests that Ariel can suspend time, underscoring her supernatural qualities while simultaneously highlighting her servitude to Prospero.

Ariel's Desires and Emotions

Ariel's monologue offers a glimpse into her inner thoughts and desires. Her lines "Because the sun, it is a fair più Interval, and I must be at your sweet bidding accomplish'd" reveal her longing to be free from Prospero's commands and live independently.

Ariel's yearning for freedom is further emphasized by her reference to the "chef of the pot" in the line "But I dosave, xeer, I have done...," which signifies the completion of her task. This phrase implies that Ariel is eager to conclude her duties to Prospero and resume her own pursuits, indicative of her despairing spirit.

Literary Devices in Ariel's Poem

Ariel's monologue is filled with captivating literary devices, including metaphors, alliterations, and sibilance. These devices add depth and richness to Ariel's speech and contribute to her character's enigmatic nature.

The poem's opening lines serve as an excellent example of Ariel's use of metaphor. Her comparison of herself to the bee highlights the symbolism prevalent throughout the poem, illustrating her desire to escape and live unrestricted.

Metaphors and Imagery

Ariel employs vivid, nature-based imagery to communicate her longing for freedom. She compares herself to various creatures, including the bee, the hound, and the mouse, to depict her desire for autonomy and her feelings of entrapment. These metaphors emphasize Ariel's yearning to be released from her servitude.

Ariel's monologue is also rich in alliteration, which serves to emphasize certain words and create sensory overload. The repetition of the letter "b" in "because the sun, it is a far plus in me" exemplifies this. Additionally, sibilance, or the repetition of "s" sounds, is used to evoke the sense of Ariel's servitude, as seen in "I must to thee a solo fly."

Rhyme Scheme and Rhythm

Ariel's poem follows an ABAB rhyme scheme, which serves to engage the reader and heightens the dramatic effect. The alternating masculine and feminine rhymes create a sense of harmony and balance that reflects Ariel's enchanting quality.

The monologue's rhythm is iambic pentameter, punctuated by sporadic breaks in the meter that emphasize Ariel's emotional state. Despite the structured rhythm, Ariel's speech deviates from the iambic pattern, mirroring her chaotic inner turmoil and longing for freedom.

In Ariel's poem, Shakespeare masterfully explores themes of freedom, servitude, and magical nature through a rich tapestry of literary devices. By delving into the complexities of Ariel's character, we gain a deeper understanding of her desperation for liberation and her enchanting spirit. Entering her world opens new avenues for appreciation of her character and the intricate magic of "The Tempest."