How Does Shakespeare Present Caliban In The Tempest

The plots presented in Act 3 of Shakespeare’s The Tempest evoke numerous questions and interest in different characters. However, I am particularly interested in Caliban due to his brutish yet graceful nature, his uniqueness, and his representation of the natives. Caliban is portrayed as a “savage,” “deformed slave,” “fish,” and a “hag-seed,” but is also shown to be civilized. Given that he conveys two countering characteristics in different parts of the play, I am curious of Caliban’s true identity and wonder if he reveals his genuine character only under certain circumstances. Moreover, I find it intriguing that Caliban represents the natives discovered by the European explorers during the Elizabethan and Jacobean era. Caliban is

When Caliban accepts Stephano as his master, a new prospect for Caliban unveils. Undoubtedly, in the beginning of the play, Caliban is portrayed as a negative character given that he perpetually curses and complains. He does not manifest a range of emotion, and instead, only conveys anger and hatred towards Prospero. In fact, Caliban wishes misfortunes upon Prospero just prior to his encounter with Stephano and Trinculo. However, as soon as he meets Stephano, his attitude changes to display a complexity of emotions. Primarily, Caliban contradicts his aggressive personality, from previous scenes, by expressing fear when he meets Trinculo. His fear is shown through his need to hide under a cloak when he hears Trinculo. Furthermore, Caliban also develops into a positive character by presenting emotions of joy and gratitude. As can be inferred, Caliban is joyous of his decision to serve Stephano. He indicates his positivity by singing a song: “Has a new master- get a new man. / Freedom, high-day, high-day freedom, freedom high-day” (2.2.170-171). In addition, he even confesses to Stephano, “Thou mak’st me merry. I am full of pleasure, / Let us be jocund” (3.2.111-112). It is obvious that Caliban is much happier than his grumpy self in Act 1, Scene 2. He is grateful that Stephano freed him, and to reciprocate his

Caliban speaks beautifully of the sweet airs on the island and the dreams they conjure, for which he “cries to dream again.” It is clear that Caliban appreciates nature, and possesses great knowledge and familiarity with the island’s atmosphere. This is a new aspect of Caliban that I learn because, in the beginning of the play, Caliban’s admiration to noises of the island, particularly Ariel’s music, is never hinted. He uses his knowledge of nature, and his familiarity to the island to indicate his compassion towards Trinculo and Stephano. Caliban comforts Trinculo and Stephano by saying, “Be not afeared, the isle is full of noises” (3.2.130). It is interesting that a character portrayed as a tough and reckless savage is also shown to be tender and compassionate as well. This defies the common deception on Caliban as it brings awareness to the fact he is fully capable of indulging in music, and that he has happy thoughts and dreams as