Caliban - victim of his nature
...s allowed to live in Prosper’s quarters until Caliban attempted to rape Miranda (Act 1.ii 347-348). At this point it is appropriate to assess Caliban’s complaint as either reasonable or unfounded. I believe from a fundamental point of view that Caliban most certainly has a valid point. The island, which he was the native inhabitant of, as son of his mother Sycorax (Act 1.ii 331), was taken from him in colonial manner as if it was universal law that the civilized master should rule over the savage native and is entitled to govern his land. It is comprehendible that he resents being a slave on an island where he “first was [his] own king (Act 1.ii 344). “A sorcerer that by his cunning hath cheated me of the island” (Act 3.ii 46) Yet a closer look at Caliban’s nature suggests that not only is he a victim of his own uncontrollable emotions, such as cursing (Act 1.ii 321-324), attempted rape (Act 1.ii 348-351) and drunkenness (Act 2.ii), but also seeks out to be a slave to a master. This is also the reasoning Prospero uses to justify his treatment, (Act 1.ii 355), and Miranda ads: “Therefore wast thou deservedly confined into this rock […]” (Act 1.ii 360-361), referring to Caliban’s habit of swearing. Caliban’s behavior upon meeting Stephano and Trinculo, allows one to draw parallels towards Caliban’s first encounter with Propero, although it is crucial to note that Caliban is intoxicated, already angered and physically pained by Prospero’s treatment of him. Caliban’s swiftly vows to “kneel to him [ Stephano] ” (Act 2.ii 123) and be his “true subject” (Act 2.ii 131), even going as far as humiliatingly wanting to kiss his “ noble lord[‘s]” (Act 3.ii 41) foot (Act 2ii 159). One can interpret his subservient mannerism as his genuine characteristic or regard his behavior as a result of years being conditioned and abused in the role of a slave. A combination of the two is most plausible, to me. Caliban proceeds to show his new acquaintances the island (Act 2.ii 155), similarly to the descriptions of showing Prospero around, and again offers his role as servant in the process (Act 2.ii 167-172; 174-180). It is also fair to assume upon these indications that Prospero with his wit, psychological power and given authority managed to ...