The Strained Relationship between Prospero and Caliban in Shakespeare's The Tempest
Question 03
Starting with this moment in the play, explore how Shakespeare presents the
difficult relationship between Prospero and Caliban.
Write about:
how Shakespeare presents their relationship in this extract
how Shakespeare presents the difficult relationship between Prospero and
Caliban in the play as a whole.
[30 marks] AO4 [4 marks]
Introduction:
In Shakespeare's play The Tempest, the relationship between Prospero and Caliban is one
marked by power struggles, colonization, and betrayal. This essay will delve into how
Shakespeare presents their relationship in a specific extract, and then examine the broader
portrayal of their difficult dynamic throughout the play.
Body:
Presentation of Prospero and Caliban's Relationship in the Extract:
The selected extract, Act 1, Scene 2, offers insight into the complex relationship between
Prospero and Caliban. Shakespeare employs various techniques to convey their dynamic:
Colonial Subjugation:
Prospero, the usurped Duke of Milan, holds power over Caliban, who is portrayed as a
native inhabitant of the island. Prospero accuses Caliban of being ungrateful for his
teachings and instead, attempting to violate his daughter Miranda. The power imbalance is
evident as Prospero asserts his authority over Caliban, reminding him of his enslavement by
claiming "thou didst seek to violate the honour of my child."
Contempt and Cruelty:
Prospero's treatment of Caliban is characterized by disdain and cruelty. He calls Caliban a
"tortoise" and refers to him as "A born devil." Prospero's derogatory language highlights his
disregard for Caliban's humanity and reinforces the oppressive nature of their relationship.
This further emphasizes the power dynamics at play and the control Prospero exerts over
Caliban.
II. Presentation of the Difficult Relationship between Prospero and Caliban in the Play as a
Whole:
Shakespeare presents the relationship between Prospero and Caliban as one fraught with
tension, colonization, and conflicting motives
Colonial Domination:
Prospero's arrival on the island leads to his domination over Caliban. Caliban, portrayed as a
"savage" and a "monster" by Prospero, is stripped of his autonomy and reduced to a
subservient role. Shakespeare examines the exploitative nature of colonization, highlighting
the abuse of power and the dehumanization of indigenous peoples.
Question 03
Starting with this moment in the play, explore how Shakespeare presents the
difficult relationship between Prospero and Caliban.
Write about:
how Shakespeare presents their relationship in this extract
how Shakespeare presents the difficult relationship between Prospero and
Caliban in the play as a whole.
[30 marks] AO4 [4 marks]
Introduction:
In Shakespeare's play The Tempest, the relationship between Prospero and Caliban is one
marked by power struggles, colonization, and betrayal. This essay will delve into how
Shakespeare presents their relationship in a specific extract, and then examine the broader
portrayal of their difficult dynamic throughout the play.
Body:
Presentation of Prospero and Caliban's Relationship in the Extract:
The selected extract, Act 1, Scene 2, offers insight into the complex relationship between
Prospero and Caliban. Shakespeare employs various techniques to convey their dynamic:
Colonial Subjugation:
Prospero, the usurped Duke of Milan, holds power over Caliban, who is portrayed as a
native inhabitant of the island. Prospero accuses Caliban of being ungrateful for his
teachings and instead, attempting to violate his daughter Miranda. The power imbalance is
evident as Prospero asserts his authority over Caliban, reminding him of his enslavement by
claiming "thou didst seek to violate the honour of my child."
Contempt and Cruelty:
Prospero's treatment of Caliban is characterized by disdain and cruelty. He calls Caliban a
"tortoise" and refers to him as "A born devil." Prospero's derogatory language highlights his
disregard for Caliban's humanity and reinforces the oppressive nature of their relationship.
This further emphasizes the power dynamics at play and the control Prospero exerts over
Caliban.
II. Presentation of the Difficult Relationship between Prospero and Caliban in the Play as a
Whole:
Shakespeare presents the relationship between Prospero and Caliban as one fraught with
tension, colonization, and conflicting motives
Colonial Domination:
Prospero's arrival on the island leads to his domination over Caliban. Caliban, portrayed as a
"savage" and a "monster" by Prospero, is stripped of his autonomy and reduced to a
subservient role. Shakespeare examines the exploitative nature of colonization, highlighting
the abuse of power and the dehumanization of indigenous peoples.
