In Act III of The Tempest, Shakespeare explores servitude and freedom through Ariel and Caliban, who both serve Prospero but in contrasting ways. Ariel loyally follows Prospero’s commands with the hope of eventual freedom, seeing his service as temporary and bound to a promise. Caliban, however, resents Prospero’s control, viewing him as a usurper and seeking liberation through rebellion, even conspiring with Stephano and Trinculo. Ariel’s hopeful obedience contrasts with Caliban’s bitterness, highlighting two responses to servitude—one motivated by loyalty and future freedom, the other by defiance and a desire for independence.

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