Reviewing our discussions in class, I realized that we didn’t put too much attention into the significance of Ariel in the play. While we were able to analyze the symbolism of Caliban and Prospero, little detail went into Ariel’s existence. I decided to use a rap battle as it would be an interesting way to convey the message. As participants usually make derogatory comments towards one another, I believed it would provide the perfect format to ‘reveal’ the flaws hidden within Ariel’s character. I used the rap battle to highlight some noteworthy details about Ariel to emphasize his importance to the play and his possible symbolism. Rather than analyze Ariel’s character as a whole, I decided to ‘throw shade’ and focus on the questionable aspects of his nature, from his undying loyalty to Prospero to his significance to the play despite his lack of stage time. The addition of Miranda to the rap battle was mainly to provide Ariel’s character with someone to rap against, although I acknowledge that the portrayed feeling towards Ariel and Prospero do not necessarily line up with Miranda’s feelings towards them in the actual play.
The length of Miranda’s lyrics are intended to be longer in order to place the majority of the focus on Ariel. By listing different aspects of Ariel, ranging from personality to actions he’s taken throughout the play, Miranda establishes that Ariel isn’t necessarily as minor as the play may make him seem.
(lyrics below)
Ariel? Who’s that?
The little mermaid? A man?
You don’t walk on two legs like my dude, Caliban
You fly with wings and are eager to please
Hiding yourself to sing sweet melodies
You don’t spend much time up on the stage,
gone just as Prospero expresses his rage
Filling up the island with nothing but noise,
Tempting and confusing everyone, even ya bois
Acting on his orders without a doubt
Can’t you see Prospero’s just a crazy, old lout?
While your presence in the play is inarguably important
you lack integrity, personality, the whole assortment!
Being the good twin to Caliban the emo,
Listening to Daddy Prospero whose just plain evil
Playing Caliban like he’s the bad guy,
He was an motherless, innocent native, why!
The motives behind your actions just don’t make sense,
Saying you’re repaying Prospero is only a pretence
Your presence in the play is just too convenient
How can you promise your loyalty and really mean it?
Snitches get stitches, man, haven’t you heard?
Prospero should’ve died, now that’s for sure
While you go around flying and lying,
Spreading the rumors they’re buying
Remember who had this island under solid wraps
(not you)
You’re a spirit of the air and I’m not a big fan
More mysterious and creepy than my senile old man
I don’t like what you’re hiding under all this plot
You should make like Prospero’s Tempest and just stop.
ARIEL:
Pity’s all you have to spare for poor Caliban? Yeesh!
if you’re gonna take his land at least admit he’s a man
Playin him for a fool and insulting him directly
I may inconvenience him, but at least I do it deftly
I question your relationship with Ferdinand the stranger
Its suddenness would make anyone scream ‘danger’!
Before this Paradise is Lost, let us just remember
It wasn’t me that almost got your little boyfriend dismembered!