Caliban is a deformed earthly creature who is half fish and half human. Trinculo once describes Caliban as “a fish…legged like a man and his fins like arms!” (act 1, scene 2, lines 25, 33) In this play, Caliban is the master of chaos. His mother Sycorax is known to have been allies with the devil himself. Caliban, himself acknowledges his relationship with evil and the dark elements such as “of Sycorax, toads, beetles [and] bats.” (act 1, scene 2, line 340) Despite Prospero’s efforts teaching and loving Caliban, in the end, he is still “a devil, a born devil on whose nature nurture can never stick; on whom [Prospero’s] pains, humanely taken all, all lost, quite lost.” (act 4, scene 1, lines 188-190) Caliban’s thinking also resemblance as an animal. Instead of feeling guilty for his attempted rape of Miranda, he argues that if Prospero “didst prevent [him], [he] had peopled else this isle with Calibans.” (act1, scene 2, line 351) While Ariel is the singer of the sweet tunes about nature, Caliban is the listener. His love for the nature and dreams, however, enables the audience to feel sympathetic towards him as they see his human side. He describes himself how sometimes, after he wakes up, “[he] cries to dream again.” (act 3, scene 2, line 142)
Even though Prospero treats both of his slaves kindly at first, Ariel and Caliban’s loyalty towards Prospero vary greatly. Before Prospero came to the island, Ariel was trapped in an oak tree, imprisoned by Sycorax. When Prospero arrives and releases him, Ariel is very thankful. In return, Ariel “ha[s] done [him] worthy service; [tells] [him] no lies, [makes] [him] no mistakings, serve[s] without or grudge or grumblings.” (act 1, scene 2, lines 247-249) It is interesting when Ariel asks Prospero “do you love me, master?” (act 4, scene 1, lines 48) This shows that Ariel views Prospero not only as his master but as a fatherly figure too. Only once does Ariel asks for his liberty.
Caliban, on the other hand, is rebellious towards Prospero. When his master calls Caliban out, he reluctantly comes out. Because of his sluggish speed, Prospero calls him a “tortoise” and promises “cramps, side-stitches that shall pen [his] breath up.” (act 1, scene 2, lines 325-326) Caliban, finding the punishment unfair, curses Prospero and that “the red plaque rid [him] for learning [Caliban] [his] language!” (act 1, scene 2, lines 364-365) He hates Prospero so much that he wishes “ a plaque upon the tyrant that [he] serves.” (act 2, scene 2, line 122) However, Caliban used to love Prospero as his father until his attempted rape on Miranda.
As Prospero’s messenger and only communication to the people on the island, Ariel also acts as a peacekeeper. The invisible fairy, generally, is engaged into tasks commanded by Prospero. He creates melodious music to direct characters in the play from one place to the Prospero’s desired destination. Sometimes, it is also a sleep spell to be cast on the travelers. At the banquet, Ariel passes a message to Antonio, Alonso and Sebastian for Prospero. His image as a harpy is much more powerful than Prospero himself because right away, “their great guilt like poison given to work a great time after, now begins to bite the spirits.” (act 3, scene 3, lines 103-105) Also, Ariel is Prospero’s savior because he informs Prospero about Caliban’s evil usurpation plans with Trinculo and Stephano.
Caliban, along with Antonio and Sebastian, are the sources of chaos in the play. Throughout the whole play, this savage’s main goal is to destroy Prospero. After the tempest, Caliban meets Trinculo and Stephano, who treat him as a friend. Since Caliban hasn’t felt wanted for such a long time, “[he] swear[s], upon that bottle, to be [their] true subject.” (act 2, scene 2, line 122) He even kisses Trinculo’s foot to prove his faithfulness. He decides to use his new friends to help him accomplish his goal. He tells them of his cruel plans to kill the “tyrant”. He constantly reminds his new masters that the first step of the plan is to burn the Prospero’s books. After possessing his books, then they can “with a log batter his skull, or paunch himself a stake or cute his wezand with [his] knife” (act 3, scene 2, lines 88-90) Fortunately, the plans don’t work out.
In all tragicomedies, the forces of good always overcome evil. The Tempest is not an exception. Ariel, even though viewed as a powerful figure, is still obedient towards Prospero. In return, after Ariel’s tasks are completed, Prospero grants him his freedom. Caliban’s nature and his determination to kill Prospero never creased in the play. Although he is one of the villains, Prospero still forgives him in the end, along with Antonio and Alonso, making the ending a happy one.
The Spirit of the Air vs. the Earthly Creature
Ivy Cheng
English 4A
Ms. Daymonds
October 21st, 1999
Bibliography
Shakespeare, William. The Tempest. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1990, Toronto.
