Ask:
* Neutral: It simply indicates a request for something.
* Formal or informal: Can be used in both formal and informal situations.
* Power dynamic: Generally implies a relatively equal power dynamic between the speaker and the recipient.
Beseech:
* Urgent and pleading: Implies a desperate or heartfelt request, often made with a sense of urgency.
* Emotional intensity: Carries a strong emotional charge, often conveying fear, anxiety, or desperation.
* Power imbalance: Suggests a speaker who is in a position of weakness or dependence, pleading with someone in a position of power.
* Formal: Often used in more formal or literary contexts.
Examples:
* Ask: "Could you please pass the salt?" (Simple request, neutral tone)
* Beseech: "I beseech you, please have mercy on my soul!" (Desperate plea, high emotional intensity)
In essence, "beseech" paints a picture of a speaker who is practically begging for something, whereas "ask" simply indicates a request.