Caliban Figurative Language Essay

By using Prospero’s language, Caliban acknowledges his own inferiority; however, this acquired linguistic ability indicates his intelligence and makes him more human. Although Caliban is perceived as a savage by Prospero and the other characters in the play, his intellectual capabilities are actually extensive because he is able to learn and employ the language that Prospero teaches him. When Caliban exclaims, “You taught me language, and my profit on ’t/ Is I know how to curse” (1.2.368-369), he admits his submission because he willingly learned and adopted Prospero’s language. Despite his criticism towards Prospero for teaching him language, Caliban’s ability to speak contributes to his humanization because it enables him to condemn, praise, and communicate with the other human characters in

Caliban’s usage of imagery displays both his understanding of language and the appreciation that he has for the island. Correspondingly, in “Caliban Upon Setebos”, Caliban uses figurative language to express his thoughts. He claims, “Maggots scamper through my brain,” which is a metaphor describing his drunken mind (72). According to John Howard, a scholar who studies Victorian poetry, Caliban’s frequent references to animals reflects his primitive nature and rudimentary intelligence (254). However, Caliban’s ability to even make comparisons already demonstrates his impressive capability for learning. Because Caliban lives among and is familiar with nature, he uses natural elements to verbally describe his new experiences. Being knowledgeable about nature does not make him subhuman; instead, it enhances his intelligence. Caliban’s learning of language correlates with his submission because he yields not only to Prospero but also Prospero’s