Discuss the character of Caliban in Act 2 Scene 2

Rozina Akhtar 12KAM

Discuss the character of Caliban in Act 2 Scene 2

The character of Caliban in the tempest is arguably one of the most interesting Shakespeare characters. Caliban, in the play, could be seen as symbolising the struggle for democracy. This is due to the fact that prospero sees Caliban as being beneath him, and himself and Miranda as higher.

Colonialism is a major theme in the play as some critics may say it takes Prospero to be a European invader of the primitive and magical land he has taken over. Also by using his superior knowledge to enslave its original inhabitants, most importantly Caliban and Ariel. This is a symbol for European colonial power in which England was growing increasingly familiar with during Shakespeare’s lifetime.

The key figure in this treatment of the play is Caliban, who regards himself as the rightful owner of the island and believes that Prospero stole power off him.

“This island’s mine, by Sycorax my mother.”

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The key figure in this treatment of the play is Caliban, who regards himself as the rightful owner of the island and believes that Prospero stole power off him.

“This island’s mine, by Sycorax my mother.”

We learn a lot from Caliban’s character through his actions in Act 2 scene 2. Even though Prospero extends his European hospitality towards Caliban, teaches him language, in return is shown all the natural resources of the island, it is clear that Caliban has no sense of loyalty as he refuses to live by the rules of Prospero and more importantly tries to rape Miranda. Ultimately, this led to their relationship becoming one of master and slave. This also reflects on how Caliban has been isolated his whole life so therefore has no morals. However it could be argued that Caliban isn’t entirely to blame for his beastly and primitive behaviour. It could also be said that Prospero is somewhat to blame as he was the one that invaded the island, and the fact that Caliban has been living there his whole life shows that he should in fact have more control and power over the island.

“All the infections that the sun sucks up

From bogs, fens, flats, on Prosper fall, and make him by inch meal a disease”

This quote again supports the idea that Caliban is ungrateful for a lot of things that people like Prospero may have done for him, as he believes that the gift of language is a benefit for him as it allows him to curse.

At the beginning of Act 2 scene 2, Caliban enters carrying wood. It could be said that this symbolises the heavy burden of the duties forced upon him by Prospero. Shakespeare could have intentionally done this in order to provoke a reaction of sympathy from the audience.

Caliban’s character is perceived as one without any sense of direction of his own as he does exactly as he is told by prospero even though he clearly doesn’t want to. This is because he is terrified of him.

“Do not torment me prithee. I’ll bring my wood home faster”

Caliban is so afraid of being tortured by Prospero that he acts upon his command. This again reiterates the fact that Caliban cannot be his own master and has to have someone to oppress him.

“I will kiss thy foot: I prithee be my God”

Here, Caliban is making the same mistake that he made with Prospero which again shows his inability to be master of himself and his own actions.

It has been said that if Caliban has been living on the island a lot longer than Prospero, then why is he unable to take control of the island. However the fact that he is unable to be tactical about his moves on the island proves to the audience that he doesn’t have the ability to outsmart Prospero and seize the island from him.

I think Caliban is a complex character. This is shown by the contrast between his vulnerability and his venomous nature. Shakespeare reveals this through the appearance of Caliban, his language and the way he delivers his speech. He is a complex character as he can be venomous one moment and then talk about his island and be very poetic and delicate.