Caliban: The 'Savage' of The Tempest and his Role in Shakespearian Discourse

In William Shakespeare’s captivating play “The Tempest,” the rich array of characters each add their unique flavor to the narrative. However, one character stands out for his symbolic potency and the depth of his characterization: Caliban, often referred to as the ‘savage’ of the play.

Caliban, the native inhabitant of the island, is a complex character. Referred to as a ‘savage’ and a ‘monster’ by the other characters, Caliban is a figure of both scorn and sympathy. While he is initially depicted as a brutish, uncivilized figure, his character evolves as the play progresses, challenging and complicating the term ‘savage’.

One aspect that distinguishes Caliban is his connection to the island. As the island’s native inhabitant, he is deeply rooted in its natural environment. He knows the terrain, the springs, the berries, and the creatures of the island. His unique affinity for the natural world contrasts sharply with the Europeans’ detachment and their intent to control and dominate it.

Another intriguing facet of Caliban’s character is his language. He is portrayed as having learned language from Prospero, yet he uses it in ways that are both creative and profound. His description of the island’s sounds and his dreams is imbued with a poetic sensibility that defies his ‘savage’ label. This skillful use of language brings into question the play’s assumptions about civilization and savagery, suggesting that the ability to appreciate and express beauty is not exclusive to those considered ‘civilized’.

Caliban’s character also invokes the theme of colonialism.

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The power dynamics between Prospero, as the colonizer, and Caliban, as the colonized, echo the real-world struggles of Shakespeare’s time when European powers were colonizing new lands. Caliban’s resistance and his claim to the island as his birthright raise potent questions about ownership, power, and the rights of indigenous peoples.

Finally, the exploration of Caliban as the ‘Other’ is an essential aspect of his role as the ‘savage’. He embodies the fear and fascination that the ‘civilized’ world has with the ‘Other’ – those who are different, exotic, or unknown. Caliban’s character explores these notions of difference and otherness and prompts the audience to reflect on their perceptions and prejudices.

In conclusion, Caliban, the ‘savage’ of “The Tempest,” is a character of considerable depth and complexity. He transcends his initial portrayal as a brute to become a symbol of resistance, a poet of nature, and a reflection of the ‘Other’. He challenges our preconceived notions of ‘savagery’ and ‘civilization’, urging us to reconsider these concepts. As a result, Caliban remains one of Shakespeare’s most intriguing and thought-provoking characters, demonstrating that the label ‘savage’ is not only inadequate but fundamentally challenged by his character’s complexity.