Unlock analytical skills: ChatGPT prompt using Ariel from 'The Tempest' as an example

Preparing for your O-level studies can be challenging, but with the right techniques, you can excel academically. One valuable method that can significantly improve your analytical skills is the Six Thinking Hats technique.

In this comprehensive guide, we will help you use a powerful ChatGPT prompt to explore how to use the Six Thinking Hats method to analyse any topic effectively. This prompt will help you approach your studies with a fresh perspective and enhance your problem-solving abilities.

Click here to skip the explanation and go straight to the prompt.

Understanding the Six Thinking Hats

Before diving into the application of the Six Thinking Hats method, let's grasp the basics.

Developed by Edward de Bono, this technique involves six distinct "hats," each representing a different mode of thinking. The idea is that by wearing these metaphorical hats, you can systematically analyse a topic from various angles, promoting comprehensive understanding. Here are the six thinking hats:

1. The White Hat - Factual Thinking

This hat is all about facts and information. When wearing the White Hat, focus on gathering objective data and ensuring accuracy in your analysis. Consider statistics, historical data, and concrete details related to your subject.

2. The Red Hat - Emotional Thinking

Emotions play a crucial role in decision-making and analysis. With the Red Hat, you can express your feelings and gut instincts about a topic. This perspective allows you to tap into your intuition and personal experiences.

3. The Black Hat - Critical Thinking

When you put on the Black Hat, your goal is to identify potential flaws and weaknesses in your analysis. Take a critical stance and evaluate the drawbacks and risks associated with your subject.

4. The Yellow Hat - Positive Thinking

Optimism is vital in problem-solving. The Yellow Hat encourages you to explore the benefits and opportunities connected to your topic. Highlight the positive aspects and advantages.

5. The Green Hat - Creative Thinking

Creativity is essential for innovative solutions. While wearing the Green Hat, brainstorm new ideas, alternative approaches, and creative solutions to problems related to your subject.

6. The Blue Hat - Process Thinking

The Blue Hat serves as the organiser and facilitator. It oversees the thinking process, ensuring that each hat's perspective is considered and that the analysis is structured and productive.

Using ChatGPT prompt to analyse just about any topic

Now that we know about the Six Thinking Hats and how they help us analyse various topics, let's explore how ChatGPT can help you in your analysis. All you need to do is copy the prompt below, make the necessary edits, and paste it into ChatGPT.

As an example of how to use this prompt, we'll be doing the character analysis for Ariel from 'The Tempest' by William Shakespeare. You can use this prompt for any other analysis by changing the topic that's in bold.

ChatGPT prompt

"I want you to act like Edward de Bono and implement the six thinking hats for the following topic: "Ariel from 'The Tempest' character analysis". Give detailed points for each of the hats and be as detailed in your explanation as you can: 1. White hat: Factually analyse the topic above and share detailed objective insights. 2. Red hat: Share emotional reactions about the topic. 3. Black hat: Critically assess potential flaws and/or risks. 4. Yellow hat: Highlight the benefits or the potential outcomes. 5. Green hat: Suggest innovative solutions or insights or alternatives. 6. Blue hat: Reflect on the overall understanding and plan the next steps. Next, add as many other points of analysis that may have been missed in the above six points that are worthy of mention. Be sure to elaborate on each of these points. Please write in English language."

This is how ChatGPT responded

Of course, let's apply Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats to analyse the character of Ariel from Shakespeare's "The Tempest."

White Hat (Facts):

Ariel is a spirit in "The Tempest," serving the magician Prospero.
Ariel can change shapes, which is a unique supernatural ability.
Ariel is bound to serve Prospero due to a promise until he's granted freedom.
Ariel helps Prospero manipulate events on the island, influencing the play's plot.

Red Hat (Emotions):

Readers often feel sympathy for Ariel due to his longing for freedom.
Ariel's loyalty to Prospero may evoke admiration or confusion.
Ariel's ethereal nature may create a sense of wonder and enchantment.

Black Hat (Critical Assessment):

Ariel's servitude raises ethical questions about the abuse of power by Prospero.
Ariel's dependence on Prospero for freedom highlights vulnerability.
Some may argue that Ariel's character lacks depth compared to other characters.

Yellow Hat (Benefits/Outcomes):

Ariel's loyalty to Prospero ensures the success of Prospero's plans.
Ariel's shape-shifting abilities make him a valuable and versatile asset.
Ariel's eventual freedom signifies a positive resolution to his character arc.

Green Hat (Innovative Insights):

Ariel's role could be explored further to emphasise the complexity of his character.
Analysing Ariel's relationship with other characters, such as Caliban, can provide fresh perspectives.
Exploring how Ariel's powers reflect themes of magic and illusion in the play.

Blue Hat (Overall Reflection and Planning):

Reflecting on Ariel's role, we see how he represents the tension between power and freedom in the play.
Considering Ariel's impact on the plot, we can better understand Shakespeare's storytelling choices.
In planning future discussions, it's essential to delve deeper into Ariel's character development.

Additional Analysis Points:

Ariel's musical abilities and use of songs to manipulate characters' emotions add depth to his character.
Ariel's connection to nature, particularly the elements, aligns with the play's themes of control and chaos.
Examining Ariel's role as a mediator between the supernatural and human worlds can reveal insights into the play's broader themes.
Ariel's transformation from servitude to freedom represents a symbol of hope and redemption in the play.
Comparing Ariel to other Shakespearean spirits, such as Puck in "A Midsummer Night's Dream," can provide intriguing insights into Shakespeare's treatment of supernatural beings.

In conclusion, analysing Ariel through the Six Thinking Hats offers a multifaceted understanding of this complex character in "The Tempest." By considering facts, emotions, criticisms, benefits, innovative insights, and overall reflections, we gain a comprehensive view of Ariel's significance in the play and the themes he embodies.

While we have used this prompt to help us with O-level literature, you can use it to analyse topics from any subject. Just be aware, that ChatGPT may not give you the most factual information, so be sure to cross-check each response you get. Looking for more ChatGPT prompts to help you learn? Check out our extensive list of prompts right here.