Prospero and Caliban of William Shakespeares The Tempest Essay

Prospero and Caliban of William Shakespeares The Tempest Within The Tempest, characters such as Prospero and Caliban share an intimate connection. Without some kind of evil force motivating the action of the play, none of the major characters would come into contact with each other. A violent storm, formed by Prosperos magic, subjects the foreign characters to the might of his bass business office. Issues of control become a central part of The Tempest. One way in which this is highlighted is through the relationship between Prospero and Caliban, his bestial servant. Their relationship does not use the conventional imagery of those who hold power versus those who do not. Rather, Caliban comes to symbolize a physical manifestation of a darker part of Prosperos per word of honorality. Early in the play, Caliban is described as a beast-like icon who lived on the island before any foreign intrusion. Prospero and Miranda found Caliban and his mother living on the island when they the mselves became shipwrecked there. The first words introducing Caliban describe him as the son of the witch Sycorax who was banished to the island. Caliban is described as someone who is,not honored with/A human shape....a Dull thing... (I. ii. 283-6) Though Caliban is referenced here as a figure of disgust and contempt, Prospero chooses to use the word dull in his description of this creature. Even before he is introduced, Caliban becomes labeled with imagery of darkness, or at the least, lessened brightness. This labeling comes from Prospero, who has shown the power to control clouds and can cause storms to cover up the sky if he so chooses. Prospero has the power to decide when the sun will shine, and when there is to be darkness, and rai... .... Her imminent marriage at the end of the play causes Prospero to open his eyes to the world once again, and readies himself to rejoin society. This realization of the need for darkness as well as light allows Caliban the chance of forgive ness at the closing of the play. Caliban says, Ay, that I will and Ill be wise hereafter And look for grace. What a thrice-double ass Was I, to take this inebriate for a god And worship this dull fool (V. I. 295-8) Shedding off his dullness in favor of a chance at redemption, Caliban takes a some steps closer to understanding the way Prospero views the world. It is Prospero?s acceptance of Caliban?s darkness that finally allows Caliban to have something in common with the world of light, and desire to seek grace. Works CitedShakespeare, William. The Tempest. New York Penguin, 1970 1623.