Throughout the narrative of William Shakespeare's play The Tempest, the idea of ​​loyalty is addressed in different scenarios and situations that correspond to each distinct facet of the plot. Although this principle is used regularly in many of Shakespeare's works, the characters in The Tempest offer a unique variation to the discussion. Rather than having allegiance to people, each character demonstrates their loyalty to a concept. Changing the definition of loyalty also allows for the examination of each character's motivations and personality, which is particularly illustrated in three stories of Ferdinand, Caliban and Ariel as they develop throughout the plot. Shakespeare's choice to depict allegiance to concepts rather than people illustrates how loyalty is simply a construct manipulated to fit the morals and ambitions of each individual. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Perhaps one of the most egregious examples of loyalty to a concept lies in Ferdinand's devotion to love. While one could argue that his actions represent loyalty to Miranda (which can be a difficult distinction to make: devotion to love or devotion to a lover), Ferdinand clearly demonstrates loyalty to the concept in that he is never submissive to Miranda; so that even when Miranda begs him to stop his work, he refuses. Ferdinand's willingness to serve the king demonstrates another aspect of his fidelity to love. As he is certainly not loyal to Prospero, Ferdinand only carries out the father's orders in order to remain faithful to his own intense desire for Miranda's love. Thus, while at first glance this character's deference seems to act as a demonstration of loyalty to Miranda and her father, Ferdinand instead acts according to his own ambitions and attempts, by all means, to obtain Miranda's hand in marriage. his new love. By showing loyalty to the concept of love rather than an actual individual, Ferdinand is able to control his own actions based on his ideals and his own best. Although he has no desire to serve another, he is willing to make such a sacrifice in hopes of creating an outlet for his personal gain. In the play, Shakespeare portrays Caliban as a sort of foil to Ferdinand in the sense of loyalty. Although both characters are shown to hold true to certain concepts, their particular motivations differ greatly. Ferdinand demonstrates servitude as a sacrifice that must be made to see his ambitions realized. Caliban, however, is only loyal to the idea of ​​servitude. Caliban also exemplifies a clearer depiction of allegiance to a concept rather than people, as he has no difficulty suddenly switching to a new master he has only known for a few minutes. Although Caliban finds no moral difficulty in professing false or temporary allegiance, he never strays from the path of service to others. His dedication to maintaining his inferior stature characterizes Caliban as an individual who has no desire to rule but only to take control of his masters in a position inferior to them. Although Caliban remains a servant, he takes advantage of his new masters, to whom he claims loyalty, with the ultimate goal of improving his own life. Ariel's story of loyalty is perhaps one of the most interesting in the play. For throughout, he remains faithful to Prospero's orders; However, Ariel's motivations go much deeper than simply pleasing her "master". Among other things, Ariel's question to Prospero "Do you love me.