Explore Shakespeare’s Presentation of Caliban; a product of nature or nurture?
Aaron Jackson 12ES English coursework Explore Shakespeare's Presentation of Caliban; a product of nature or nurture? In Shakespeare's "The Tempest " the character of Caliban is portrayed in a puzzling and thought-provoking manner. He is a complex character as at times he displays savage like qualities and at others he displays an appreciation for nature and expresses his love for his habitat using poetic devices. Through Caliban Shakespeare explores the themes of nature and nurture. The question raised is, whether Caliban is the product of inheritance and is innately savage or whether his characteristics are a result of his social environment and the cruelty channelled towards him by the islands newer inhabitants. Within this essay I will be exploring the two opinions, the first one being that Caliban was born bad because of his parents also being bad, and the second being whether he appears bad because he does not fit into the mould of a civilised being which was created by his islands new arrivals. The name Caliban is an anagram of "cannibal" which was often spelt with one "n" in William Shakespeare's day, or it may derive from "Cariban" since Shakespeare would have been familiar with stories regarding savage "Carib Indians". Either way the name's origin would immediately provide the audience of the time with the expectation of baseness. Caliban was born as the son of
The Tempest - Character analysis of Prospero.
Prospero Prospero's magical powers allow him to single-handedly take control of a situation of slowly developing chaos, caused by his eviction from Milan, and turn the plot of The Tempest towards comedy by sheer force. That he has powers over his surroundings, far greater than those of an ordinary mortal, is inconceivable, as is the fact that he uses them for good in the course of the play. However, it remains to be asked whether Prospero combines his magic with power over the self, and whether Shakespeare actually presents him as an ideal ruler. Although we hear the story of Prospero's eviction from Milan from him, the manner in which he tells his history suggests distrust -- Prospero is pompous, self-pitying and apparently unforgiving. The nature of Prospero's rule as revealed by Act I is not pleasant. When duke of Milan, he trusted his brother Antonio too much, and consequently nearly lost his life, as well as his dukedom. On the island, he befriended Caliban, brought him into his house and treated him as a member of the family -- and repeated the pattern of trust, which was again betrayed, when Caliban attempted to rape Miranda. Although Prospero learns from this second betrayal, he goes to the other extreme. Prospero's apparently cruel stance is revealed in his exile and verbal abuse of Caliban, as well as his outbursts and threats to imprison Ariel again "till / Thou
With close reference to the language and imagery of the passage, show in what ways it helps to establish the relationship between Miranda and Prospero (Act 1 Scene 2 Lines 1-134)
The Tempest With close reference to the language and imagery of the passage, show in what ways it helps to establish the relationship between Miranda and Prospero (Act 1 Scene 2 Lines 1-134) Act one scene two opens with Miranda and Prospero standing on an island, after having just witnessed a shipwreck. Right from the first line we can establish the relationship between Miranda and Prospero, "My dearest father" (line 1.) As the scene commences, we begin to learn a great deal about the two roles. Miranda opens the scene as she questions her father about the huge storm. "you have put the wild waters in this roar" (line 2.) Miranda presumes that her father was capable of the "tempest" and therefore this portrays that she does not have much trust for him. Miranda's kindness and innocence is portray heart" (line 8/9) and this contrasts to her father who is not as concerned as she is "Tell your piteous heart there's no harm done" (line 14.) Prospero's power and control over Miranda is something that really stands out, "obey and be attentive" (line 38) and it is clear that she respects him, "my dearest father" (line 1.) At first one may presume that Prospero is an evil man for causing the tempest, but I feel that he loves Miranda very much and would do anything to protect her. "I have done nothing but in care of thee - of thee my dear one" (line 16/17.) He decides that it is
Character study of Prospero
"Prospero" In act 1 we learn that Prospero is a very complex character with many different aspects to his presentation. The first and probably the most obvious aspect to his character is that of the magician. Some critics argue that the 4 main characters on the Island can be said to represent different attributes to humanity: Caliban represents instinct, Miranda represents love, Ariel represents spirit and Prospero represents power. Prospero's incredible magical powers contribute to this interpretation of his character. His character is also interpreted as being like a puppet-master. I think this is an appropriate image of Prospero as he uses his incredible powers to rule over people, influencing and controlling them with his magic for his own personal purposes. He controls Caliban with threats and acts of physical violence saying: " Tonight thou shalt have cramps, side stitches that shall pen thy breath up." This shows Prospero's puppet-master side using his incredible power to control people and making them afraid of them. The author also uses the rule of three to show the extent of Prospero's threats towards Caliban. He also controls Miranda, this time though he does not resort to physical pain or violence he puts a spell on her instead. He says, " Thou art inclined to sleep" This again shows his incredible power he possesses as a magician being able to control
Explore the ways Shakespeare presents ideas of society in 'The Tempest'
Explore the ways Shakespeare presents ideas of society in 'The Tempest' 'The Tempest' was Shakespeare's last play written alone. He used it to express his thoughts on the structure of society, albeit through using certain characters as a mouthpiece. These characters include Gonzalo and Prospero. To begin with, the society on the island consists only of Prospero, Miranda, Caliban and the spirits, which only appear to Prospero. One theme in the play is the idea of usurpation, which is shown several times throughout. One of Caliban's reasons for hating Prospero is his idea that Prospero usurped him as ruler of the island. This is made clear as early as Act 1 Scene 2, when Caliban says "This island's mine, by Sycorax my mother, which thou tak'st from me". Antonio also usurped Prospero as Duke of Milan, Stephano wishes to be "king of th' isle" and Sebastian plots to kill Alonso to become King of Naples. On the island, it seems that all social restraints are removed. Antonio and Sebastian would never have dared to plot to murder Alonso back in Italy. The anonymity of the island means that the characters' genuine feelings are shown, rather than hidden. This is shown by Antonio and Sebastian's conversation. "Draw thy sword: one stroke Shall free thee from the tribute which thou payest/And I the king shall love thee.". And also by Gonzalo's speech. I think that the play also has
Caliban characterisation - The Tempest
Caliban As the embodiment of the Jacobean view of foreigners as "savage", due to 18th century xenophobia, Caliban is depicted as being elemental, debased and an "unthinking bundle of primitive instinct"-suggesting his incapacity to make measured decisions as he has been isolated from western civilisation and society. His name can be seen as an anagram of "cannibal" which once again suggests his uncivilised and survivalist nature. As the legitimate ruler of the island the modern audience can realise the exploitation of the indigenous "monster of the isle" - a beast-like, unfeeling native. Caliban is usurped from his inherited rule, much like Prospero is overthrown by Alonso. Shakespeare uses a noun as a verb as Caliban says "sty me" to emphasise that he has been kept like an animal, an image constructed by the imperialist and omnipotent author. The uneven relationship between the coloniser and the wild native is explored by the playwright's repetitive use of the language of colonial exploitation and images of incarceration as Caliban is "confined", with his own island as his "prison". The power relations are highlighted by Miranda calling Caliban an "Abhorréd slave", the accentuated adjective emphasising the hateful, loathing tone towards the subordinate, uncouth "thing". Caliban's attempted rape of Miranda when he did "seek to violate/ The
What is the importance of Prospero in the play The tempest
Lisa Walkden What is the importance of Prospero in the play? The main protagonist of 'The Tempest', Prospero is also the chief actor. He is of great importance in the play and we are subjected to many varying sides and emotions of Prospero as although he is just one character he plays many roles within society. Prospero is very highly respected in 'The Tempest' as a master, of Ariel and Caliban and a father, of Miranda. He is a teacher and is looked up to, he is also seen as a very wise and educated man. However because of his powers and the fact that he seeks revenge he is also feared by many of the others in 'The Tempest'. Prospero is a very powerful and important man who controls many things. He is a magician with great powers and is able to control elements as well as other people. Magic has set Prospero above most other human's, it has made him into almost a God. This is not a natural or appropriate position for Prospero to be in. Although this magic has given Prospero great power to lead the others on the island, he has done so in the nature of a God. In order for Prospero to become an ideal human leader, he must give up "this rough magic" and consent to allow his power to flow only from the loyalty of his people and those who believe in him. Prospero's use of his magic, while it is done at times to indulge himself is also used in some cases for some greater
Presentation of Prospero in the Tempest
WHAT DO YOU FIND INTERESTING ABOUT THE PRESENTATION OF PROSPERO IN THE TEMPEST? The Tempest is a play about a shipwreck, which was orchestrated by Prospero. His intention was to get revenge on his brother Antonio, who cast Prospero and Miranda out on a ship several years ago. In an act of revenge, Prospero is able to use his power through Ariel to bring his enemies to the island, carrying out a series of acts that play a significant part in determining the outcome at the end of the play. Prospero is clearly the protagonist of the play as he is key to many situations and plays an integral part in the relationships between everyone on the island. Shakespeare presents several aspects of his character through the roles and trials he undergoes throughout different situations in the play. We are aware that Prospero is the rightful Duke of Milan, immediately revealing his powerful and authoritarian position. "Thy father was the Duke of Milan and A prince of power." Through this, Shakespeare is able to bring out several of Prospero's characteristics, including his authoritarianism and power. As a powerful figure, it is clear how Prospero has been able to take control over the island, just like he was in control whilst he was Duke of Milan. Prospero symbolizes colonial power in the play, as by treating the island as a colony, he takes over the native Caliban and becomes ruler
Explore the roles of Ariel and Caliban in The Tempest.
Explore the roles of Ariel and Caliban in The Tempest The Tempest is a play written by William Shakespeare and is based on an event that actually happened in 1609. A great storm engulfed the flagship of nine ships that had set out to establish the colony of Virginia. This ship was driven against Bermuda and everyone mourned over the loss of one hundred and fifty people. However the colonists survived and the following year the ships reached Virginia. Ariel is Prospero's willing servant. Ariel uses magic to perform tasks and hence is believed by people to be a part of Prospero's imagination. Although Caliban is similar to Ariel by the fact he is slave, his roles vary greatly from completing physical tasks for his master to being a victim of colonization. Rebellion occurred on the island just like in the play: Caliban: ' Having first seized his books, or with a log Batter his skull, or paunch him with a stake', This sub-plot of the play expresses Caliban's role in The Tempest of how he up sets the normal balance of power. Caliban tries to upset the 'master-slave' relationship he has with Prospero, as he believes the island was stolen from him. However by breaking his relationship with Prospero he creates a new one with Triculo, and hence is still a slave. The Tempest is a tragicomedy, because there is lots of potential for tragedy. This is important for the theme of
"Prospero is a self-centred magician who demonstrates some of the worst qualities" Do you agree with this statement? How should his character be portrayed on stage?
"Prospero is a self-centred magician who demonstrates some of the worst qualities" Do you agree with this statement? How should his character be portrayed on stage? "The Tempest" was one of Shakespeare's last plays and unlike the earlier ones didn't really fit into any certain genre, instead it had elements of all the themes within it: Also a lot of his plays had sad endings, take "Romeo and Juliet" a very romantic play that had a tragic ending but this changed when he was writing his last plays and so they had happier endings which contained an element of forgiveness and new beginnings. "Let your indulgence set me free." It is set in the Mediterranean and has connections with Italy like many of Shakespeare's plays such as "The Merchant Of Venice" and "Romeo and Juliet". The statement appears to be rather harsh as it seems certain aspects of Prospero's personality and character, as well as some of the qualities he possesses which become apparent later on in the play haven't been taken into consideration. "I do forgive, unnatural though thou art." He possess some very good qualities as is shown later on in the play, one of these qualities is his ability to forgive, as he manages to forgive most of the people who transgressed against him. However the statement isn't completely incorrect since at times Prospero is portrayed as very self-centred, calculating, threatening
