Caliban in “The Tempest” is a complex figure who serves multiple purposes. Here’s a breakdown:

Role:

• Enslaved Native: Caliban is the island’s original inhabitant. Prospero, upon arrival, enslaves him, forcing him to perform menial tasks.
• Foil to Prospero: Caliban embodies the “savage” nature, contrasting with Prospero’s “civilized” magic.
• Source of Conflict: Caliban’s resentment towards Prospero fuels his desire for revenge and drives a plot point in the play.

Commentary on Colonialism:

• Loss of Land and Identity: Caliban views Prospero as a colonizer who stole his island home and stripped him of his freedom. This reflects the real-world struggles of colonized people.
• Power Imbalance: Prospero holds all the power, wielding magic and language to control Caliban. This reflects the power dynamics between colonizers and the colonized.
• Duality of “Civilization”: Prospero, representing “civilization,” uses harsh methods, raising questions about the true meaning of civilized behavior.

Relationships:

• Prospero: Their relationship is antagonistic. Prospero sees Caliban as a beast to be tamed, while Caliban views Prospero as a tyrant.
• Miranda: Caliban’s attempt to rape Miranda showcases his brutishness and highlights the power struggle between colonizer and colonized.
• Stephano and Trinculo: Caliban naively sees them as liberators, highlighting his naivety and the complexities of power dynamics.

Shakespeare’s Portrayal:

• Caliban’s Language: Shakespeare gives Caliban some of the play’s most poetic speeches, blurring the lines between “savage” and human and sparking empathy for his plight.
• Sympathy vs. Repulsion: The audience is drawn to Caliban’s desire for freedom but also repulsed by his violent nature. This ambiguity allows for multiple interpretations.

Caliban’s character is crucial in understanding the play’s exploration of colonialism, power, and the nature of humanity.