This is the first time in my life I got a solid A for my English essay! I think it would be quite useful for those who are looking for inspiration online (like I usually do). It is based on Act 3 Scene 2 starting when Caliban says
In Act 3 Scene 2, Caliban, Triculo and Stephano are plotting to overthrow Prospero. In
this rather comical scene the reader is exposed to a never-seen-before side of Caliban.
Throughout the play Caliban was portrayed as a savage native who uses rude language and
insults. In this passage, however, it can be seen that Caliban is not as uneducated as he might
seem at first.
Caliban makes a speech that could also be seen as a monologue, telling the others how he would
like the plan to be carried out. It introduces a different side of Caliban. In this sense he can no
longer be seen as an educated fool, but is rather looked at as a scheming man who is thirsty for
revenge. The aspect that stands out the most is Caliban's language. Instead of cussing and using
insults Caliban suddenly uses more sophisticated language. He calls Miranda a "non-parail"
which is a very unusual thing for him to say because has never complimented anyone in the play
before.
Caliban's use of language is not the only concept that stands out in the passage. Caliban's ideas
are also superior to those of his companions. He has thought ahead and can now be seen as
someone who is very scheming and revengeful. He explains Stephano and Trinculo that books
are Prospero's source of power. "Burn but his books; he has brave utensils" Being the least
educated character of all, he was the only one who has thought of the idea of getting rid of the
source of Prospero's power before getting rid of Prospero himself.
Caliban's plot to overthrow Prospero echoes an event that took place earlier in in the play. In
Scene 2 of Act 1 Prospero was telling his daughter Miranda the story of how he got to the island.
He said that his brother Antonio took his power and sent him there. Luckily, Gonzalo put books
in the boat Prospero was travelling on. Thanks to them, Prospero managed to gain his power
over the island. Despite Antonio's education, he could not think that his brother's books were so
important. Caliban, on the other hand said that it was the first thing to do in order to rid Prospero
of his power. “Remember first to possess his books; without them he’s but a sot, as I am”
Caliban's ideas and the language he uses show that he is much more intelligent than his
companions. Just by looking at the text the reader can see that Caliban's lines are written in
poetry form, while the others' are written in prose. This represents Caliban's knowledge
compared to the simplicity of Stephano and Trinculo's thoughts. Caliban thinks ahead of things
while Stephano's thinking is much more simple. He says to Caliban, "Monster, I will kill this
man. His daughter and I will be king and queen".
By expressing himself the way he does in the passage, Caliban wants to be seen as an intelligent
gentleman. It is a side he wants to develop and be respected for. The thing Caliban wants the
most is sharing and equality. He wants to be loved and respected. It can be seen that Caliban will
never fulfil his needs for he is constantly being looked at as a slave. Everyone judges him on his
appearance and not what he wants to be.
In conclusion, Caliban has a more sophisticated and scheming side to his personality. It can be
seen that in most ways he is more intelligent than Stephano and Trinculo, but he will never be
respected for this side of him since everyone sees him as a slave.
