It becomes clear that Caliban’s language is built up of insults and verbal abuse towards Trinculo and Prospero in this scene. We are informed of this when Caliban abuses Trinculo by calling him a “jesting monkey” and a “scurvy patch.” It is also clear when he informs Stephano and Trinculo that he is “subject to a tyrant, a sorcerer [that cheated him of the Island.” Having employed the word “monkey”, Caliban portrays Trinculo as being an animal like in both his physical and mental presence. Therefore, downgrading Trinculo and humiliating him in front of Stephano. Moreover, the phrase “scurvy patch” unearths the strong sounding “s” sound. This shows that Caliban has a tongue rather like that of a serpent, in the way that it can wound and hurt others. The term “tyrant” gives us the impression that Caliban thinks of Prospero as a bully who has turned on him and made his life a living hell. This could also relate back to the 16th century when tyranny and domination was happening all over the world.
Throughout the scene, it is clear that Caliban flatters Stephano, using complimenting speech to achieve this. We are informed this when Caliban admires Stephano by referring to him as a “valiant master” and a “noble lord.” Furthermore, he is also regarded as “greatness.” By employing the word “valiant”, which is an intrepid and noble word, Shakespeare classifies Stephano as brave and courageous through the eyes of Caliban. By complimenting Stephano on his heroicness, he fully gains his trust and faith. The word “master” tells us that Caliban intends to learn from Stephano or to become part of him and also that he holds Stephano on a pedestal. Having referred to Stephano as a “lord”, Shakespeare assures us that he is of up most importance. It also tells us that Caliban is devious because of his ability to sway Stephano to his side. Moreover, all the terms Caliban utilises to address Stephano link to the theme of duplicity as he is transforming himself into a different character. The quote “greatness” expresses Caliban’s make-believe devotion towards Stephano in a subtle and sneaky way.
We also see Caliban’s somewhat lyrical and profound characteristics in Act three, Scene two. This is highlighted when Caliban informs Stephano that there are “sounds and sweet airs that give delight and [do not] hurt” around the Island. And also that “riches [are] ready to drop upon me.” By utilising sibilance in the quote “sounds and sweet airs...” Shakespeare creates a soothing and relaxed atmosphere and encourages the read or viewer to lose their current fear or dislike for the character Caliban and promotes them to see Caliban in a different perspective. Of which he is a poetic, graceful and articulate. We know he is artistic and descriptive due to his use of the figurative device sibilance. This also relates to the theme of nature versus nature as he is overcoming his natural instinct of brutality and blood thirst, then rewriting them with his lessons learnt from Prospero. By making reference to the word “hurt” in this tranquil and peaceful passage Shakespeare reassures us that the words he speaks are coming from within him unlike past quotes which are said simply to lure Stephano.
It is also clear that Caliban exploits promises and bribery in his language to attract and entice Stephano. This is unearthed when he tells Stephano “that the most deeply to consider is the beauty of his daughter.” Caliban also asks Stephano “wilt thou be pleased to hearken once again to the suit I made to thee?” By employing a question mark in this quote, Shakespeare creates a sense of pressure and anxiety upon Stephano. Therefore portraying Caliban as a terrorizing persecutor or even a tyrant. Having utilised the word “I”, Caliban makes the quote personal, emphasising him as a harmless individual to the audience. Exploiting the word "beauty", the writer informs us that Caliban is not just the simple brutish character he is at first seen as, but he had a multi-functional dichotomy. By making reference to Prospero’s “daughter”, Shakespeare reminds us of Caliban bestial and violent character.
It becomes apparent that Caliban is a sycophantic and grovelling character. We are informed of this fact when Caliban says to Stephano “let me lick thy shoe.” The word shoe gives the impression that Caliban is intending to become a slave to Stephano for the simple reason that he wishes to reclaim the Island little knowing he is repeating what he did with Prospero. This links to the theme of Servitude as Caliban is committing him to a possible lifetime of slavery to reclaim the Island from Prospero. It also ties in with the theme of usurpation, as he is attempting to commandeer the Island which is rightfully his. Similarly, this is the method Prospero utilised to seize the island from Caliban. Employing the word “lick”, the playwright assures us Caliban is determined to claim what is rightfully his expressing him as resolute and gritty character.
It is also perceptible that Caliban has an emotive and poignant personality. This become clear when Caliban says to Stephano, having been mocked by Trinculo, “lo, how he mocks me! Wilt thou let him mock me lord.” This is also seen as he describes his dreams to Stephano and Trinculo when he says “And then, in dreaming, the clouds methought would open, and show riches ready to drop upon me – that, when I waked, I cried to dream again.” Having used the word “cried”, the writer triggers the readers’ or viewers’ emotions and a sense of pity is given to Caliban from them. The exclamation, which is positioned after the quote “lo how he mocks me!” gives us ideas that Caliban’s emotions are very widespread and also that he is unable embrace his emotions. Having chosen to exploit many commas in the passage “and then, in dreaming...” Shakespeare encourages the reader to reflect and contemplate on Caliban’s choice of words.
Finally, it is simple to say that throughout Act three, Scene two Shakespeare’s extensive choice of language not only outlines Caliban’s character, but gives Caliban his identity. Manipulating and moulding his dichotomy, and supporting the reader to see Caliban in a different perspective after every word.
