How Does Shakespeare Present Caliban In The Tempest

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The Tempest marks the time during the Renaissance in which there was the discovery of new continents. The island in which The Tempest is set partakes of both the natural and supernatural and the imaginative and real. The character of Caliban acts as a significant role in this play by representing the only native on the island, symbolising the colonial injustice during this time. Born to serve, Shakespeare gives us an insight into the way in which the natives were treated during the Renaissance through Prospero’s power and authority over Caliban and the disrespect he has for him. Through Shakespeare’s dramatic presentation of Caliban we are, as the audience, in my opinion invited to feel sympathetic but also shocked by this rude but not insensitive…show more content…
As an endearing figure full of innocence, naivety and kindness, Shakespeare represents her disgust for Caliban through her change in attitude when with this monster by describing him as an ‘abhorrèd slave’. The insulting adjective ‘abhorrèd’ is vocabulary Miranda would never use except to this deceitful creature, indicating Caliban’s harshness, inferiority and unsympathetic nature. She also describes him as ‘Tis a villain’. Through describing Caliban as an ‘it’ and not a ‘him’ she is treating him as less than human. These words could be influenced by her father or possibly just highlight her loathing towards him though her own opinion. The noun ‘villain’ expresses how Caliban is a devil. He is the personification of the evil. During this tragicomedy, Shakespeare gives a clear understanding of Prospero’s opinions and feelings towards Caliban. From the beginning, Prospero describes Caliban as ‘thou poisonous slave got by the devil himself’. Through the adjective ‘poisonous’ Shakespeare speculates how Caliban is capable, if he put his mind to it, of causing death to those around him. However, Prospero controls Caliban as though he is a beast, using his magic to ensure pain is never the consequence
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