Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” Writing
Kaelyn Pavlik ENGLISH 1202 Professor McAuley 21 March 2024 Caliban: The Multi-Dimensional Character, Critique on Colonialism and Struggle for Independence In Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” the character of Caliban plays a crucial role in the play. Caliban; a multifaceted symbol, serves prominently as the struggle for the independence of natives, whilst also being a harsh critique of colonialism. At first, Caliban is shown as a savage, deformed, and monstrous creature, though as the play progresses, so does the positive development of his character. Caliban transforms into a character who possesses a complex personality, which has been shaped by his experiences with colonialism. His character is both demonized and victimized by Prospero, who does not see him as a civil. Now, regardless of this, he is not a submissive victim of colonial oppression due to his allowance of it. He audibly battles for the independence he has been long restricted from, as well as resisting the colonizer’s attempts to overpower him, this is most evident in his conversation with Prospero as he tells the island is his birthright, “This island’s mine, by Sycorax my mother / Which thou tak’st from me,” (Act I, Scene II). This dialogue emphasizes Caliban’s sense of ownership of the island, along with his refusal to submit to the authority of the colonizers. Caliban’s character represents powerfully the struggle for the independence of natives and their resistance to colonial oppression; thus providing a keen critique of colonialism and the brutal conquering that native populations have faced. 2 Through the actions and words of Caliban throughout the play, the audience can see the immense struggle for independence and the determination he has to not be overtaken by colonial power. One scene that supports this is within Act II, Scene II which states, “I’ll show thee every fertile inch o’ th’ island, / And I will kiss thy foot. I prithee, be my god.” The dialogue; between Caliban and Stephano, another colonizer, portrays and reveals his yearning for freedom, along with his willingness to collaborate with others whom he believed could aid him in achieving his goal. Caliban’s offer to show every “fertile inch” of the island to Stephano, highlights his extensive knowledge of the land and the sense of ownership that he has for it. Yet, his proposal to “kiss thy foot” reveals the vulnerability and desperation for liberation, which Caliban sees to be impossible to achieve alone. In Act III, Scene II, the audience witnesses again the deep-rooted appreciation Caliban has for the island, his mother’s land. The audience prominently sees this as he speaks to Stephano and Trinculo. He speaks of the noises of the island and the “sweet airs” that offer delight rather than/causing harm. Further revealing his connection and his sense of belonging to the island. This connection contrasts with the colonizers’ attitude toward the island, which is known as one of domination and conquest. The natural appreciation that Caliban possesses for the natural world serves as a critique of the colonizers’ lack of respect and their tendency to exploit the land for their gain. As the play progresses, Caliban’s character is subjected to even more victimization and oppression by those who have sought to control him. In Act II, Scene II, he is seen being punished by Prospero for his disobedience by sending spirits to torment him. Caliban cries anguishedly, “All the infections that the sun sucks up / From bogs, fens, flats, on Prosper fall and 3 make him / By inch-meal disease!” The brutal violence of colonial domination and the suffering that it inflicts upon natives is highlighted here. Caliban’s punishment serves to reinforce the power imbalance between the colonizers and the colonized, and the violent means by which the former maintain their control over the latter. Similarly, in Act IV, Scene I, Prospero continues to demonize Caliban by casting him as a “born devil” and a “freckled whelp.” Prospero’s language reflects his deeply ingrained prejudice and his refusal to see Caliban as a complex and multi-dimensional human being with his own unique experiences, emotions, and desires. By reducing Caliban to a wild creature, Prospero reinforces the colonizers’ perception of him, which furthers his entrapment within a system of oppression that dehumanizes him and denies him the rights and freedoms he deserves. In “The Tempest,” Shakespeare uses the character of Caliban to offer a powerful critique of colonialism and its effects on Indigenous people. Through his character, the audience can see the struggle for independence and the resistance to colonial power that were common themes in literature and politics during Shakespeare’s time. As a symbol of the native peoples’ fight against colonialism, Caliban is a powerful and enduring figure in world literature. His character’s properties, reflect a deep sense of injustice and a desire for freedom and resonate with audiences across cultures and periods. The audience is given an insight into what colonialism has done towards natives, as well as showing them how Caliban has confronted Prospero about what he has done to him. His words reflect the Indigenous peoples’ deep connection to the land and their sense of ownership over it, which were often denied by colonial powers. In conclusion, through these scenes, as well as others, Shakespeare offers a powerful critique of colonialism and its effects on the native peoples who were subjected to it. His use of 4 Caliban as a symbol of resistance and independence reflects the ongoing struggles of Indigenous people around the world to reclaim their land, cultures, and identities in the face of colonial power. As we continue to confront the legacy of colonialism in our own time, Caliban’s character serves as a powerful reminder of the need for continued resistance against the forces of domination and exploitation that threaten the survival of Indigenous people and their ways of life. 5 Work Cited Shakespeare, William. The Tempest, updated edition, edited by Barbara A. Mowat, Paul Werstine Folger Shakespeare Library 2004, 201 East Capitol Street, SE Washington, DC 20003
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