LIT4 - Tempest - Caliban - quote analysis

Question 1

This island’s mine…which thou tak’st from me

A1S2

Answer 1

-aspect of colonialism is explored and reinforced throughout the play
-many 1st person pronouns (“me”) used to evoke sympathy for Caliban, the victim of P.’s ruthless colonisation

Question 2

O ho, O ho!…I had peopled else this isle with Calibans

A1S2

Answer 2

-mocks Prospero, and is unrepentant for his attempted rape of Miranda
-a surprising moment of villainous attitude that discredits his reputation of being a victim previously
-Miranda subsequently hints at how Caliban is bad inherently, and his nature cannot be altered

Question 3

Batter his skull, or paunch him with a stake, or cut his wezand with thy knife

A3S2

Answer 3

-plosive (“b”, “p”) sounds to convey an aggressive tone, showing his deep loathing of Prospero
-extremely graphic verbs used to denote his nefarious personality

Question 4

Remember first to possess his books for without them he’s but a sot

A3S2

Answer 4

-newfound power shown by imperatives (“remember”)
-planned methods showing his intelligence and further portraying him as a villain
-intelligence contrasts the colonialist view of him being a savage

Question 5

The beauty of his daughter…she far surpasseth Sycorax

A3S2

Answer 5

-deep appreciation of beauty shows that he has an aesthetic sensibility, contrasts the colonialist view of him being a savage

-however Caliban puts Miranda after a list of Prospero’s “brave utensils”, implying his nature to objectify women (connotes the colonialist view of the natives being oversexed, and unaware of the strict system of marriage)

Question 6

The isle is full of noises, sounds, and sweet airs, that give delight

A3S2

Answer 6

-poetic language with soft sibilance to show his deep feelings for when he speaks about his island
-his love for the island justifies his harsh actions towards P., showing how protective he is of his home

-some parts of his dialogue here also incorporates the iambic rhythm to indicate a sense of eloquence/nobility, contrasting his creature-like presentation

Iambic pentameter is traditionally only used by noble characters

Question 7

I’ll be wise hereafter, and seek for grace. What a thrice-double ass was I to take this drunkard for a god and worship this dull fool!

A5S1

Answer 7

-noun “grace” shows his repentance in religious terms (important in Christian society), emphasising his genuine recognition of his regretful past decisions
-villainous behaviour is not seen here, and is instead portrayed as a more dignified character, contrasting his initial presentation as a bitter creature

-similar to Michael de Montaigne’s idea of a “noble savage” - one who is free from “civilised” greed, ambition, and a lust for power