How Does Shakespeare introduce Caliban in The Tempest?

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Ashleigh Soppet 12A

How Does Shakespeare introduce Caliban? [Lines 308 – 374]

In your answer:

  • Look closely at the language, imagery and tone of the passage.
  • Comment on what the passage suggests about the relationship between Prospero and Caliban.

Shakespeare introduces Caliban into act 1: scene 2 before he even speaks by the shared dialogue between Prospero and Miranda. Before he has even entered the stage, the audience learn that Caliban is a slave controlled by Prospero “Whom now I keep in service” because he was born to a wicked mother; Sycorax. As Shakespeare unfolds the evilness that the “hag” Sycorax had previously executed, the audience gain a bad initial impression of Caliban as a character. This idea is also emphasised by the connotations attached to his name, for example it is clear for the audience to see the similarity between the word Caliban and Cannibal, and in fact to see it is an anagram. This brings imagery of a primitive, feral savage. The imagery is reinforced further by the wordplay associated with his name; implying the modern day term of Caribbean, also bring undomesticated and untamed suggestions to the character before he has even spoken. It is easy to recognise that Caliban does not get on well with his ruler, as conversation prior to his arrival on stage such as “Dull thing” makes it evident that he is disrespected and also the use of animal imagery used by Shakespeare emphasises this point further. By comparing Caliban to “A freckled whelp” conjures up connotations associated with wildness and unruly disliked animals. The term “Tortoise” holds implications that he is slow working and lazy and Shakespeare continues the animal imagery with references to wolves “Did make wolves howl” and also “ever-angry bears” enhancing this point further. Miranda also refers to Caliban as a “villain” which she does “not love to look on”, this is a strange concept for the audience, as so far she has been portrayed as a very loving and compassionate character, and this comment shows a possible alternative side to her character.

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Prospero instantly insults Caliban “What ho! Slave!” with a series of short sentences. The use of exclamation marks here shows Prospero has an authoritative tone, bossing Caliban around rudely and quickly with commanding language. Throughout the play there are close links with an integral theme of the elements and natural surroundings. The quote “Thou earth, thou!” suggests Caliban represents the earth. This is an interesting contrast with Prospero’s other slave; Ariel as he is associated with the air and fire. The two characters differ in the way they are treated by Prospero too and this strong contrast close to one ...

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