Caliban

Definition

Caliban is a character from Shakespeare's play 'The Tempest,' often described as a monstrous and subhuman figure representing themes of colonialism and the natural versus the civilized world. His character embodies the conflict between nature and nurture, as well as the tension between indigenous populations and European colonizers, making him a vital part of discussions surrounding mythological themes in Shakespeare's works.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Caliban is the son of a witch, Sycorax, and is often portrayed as a symbol of the savage or uncivilized aspect of humanity.
2. He was originally the island's rightful inhabitant before Prospero arrived and took control, showcasing the impact of colonization on indigenous peoples.
3. Caliban's language reflects his connection to the earth and nature, contrasting with the more refined language used by Prospero and Miranda.
4. The character has been interpreted variously as a victim of colonial oppression or as a representation of primal instincts and chaos.
5. His relationship with other characters often highlights themes of rebellion, servitude, and the struggle for power and identity.

Review Questions

• How does Caliban's character reflect the theme of colonialism in 'The Tempest'?
  • Caliban embodies the theme of colonialism through his position as the original inhabitant of the island who is subjugated by Prospero, representing European colonizers. His struggle for freedom from Prospero’s control illustrates the conflicts that arise from colonial dominance. Additionally, Caliban’s attempts to assert his identity and reclaim his land highlight the consequences of colonial oppression on indigenous peoples.
• Discuss the contrasting relationships between Caliban and other characters in 'The Tempest' and their significance to understanding his role in the play.
  • Caliban's relationships with Prospero and Miranda illustrate contrasting dynamics of power and identity. While Prospero sees Caliban as a lesser being to be controlled, Miranda initially shows compassion towards him. This complexity reveals themes of fear, respect, and misunderstanding that surround Caliban's character. These relationships also serve to explore notions of civilization versus savagery, making Caliban a pivotal figure in unraveling the moral questions raised by colonization.
• Evaluate how Caliban's portrayal contributes to broader discussions about humanity in Shakespeare's works and how it relates to mythological themes.
  • Caliban’s portrayal raises critical questions about what it means to be human, challenging the boundaries between civilization and savagery. His representation aligns with mythological themes that address human nature’s dualities, such as chaos versus order or instinct versus reason. Through Caliban, Shakespeare invites audiences to consider deeper philosophical implications regarding identity, belonging, and the societal constructs that define humanity, linking these ideas to broader narratives found in mythology.

Related terms

Prospero:

The protagonist of 'The Tempest,' who wields magical powers and represents authority and civilization in contrast to Caliban's primal nature.

Colonialism: A practice of domination involving the subjugation of one people to another, often explored through Caliban's relationship with Prospero in 'The Tempest.'

Othering: A process by which a group defines itself as distinct from others, often portraying those outside its group as inferior, a theme evident in how Caliban is treated by the other characters.