Caliban - Brute or Noble Savage?
...authoritarian figure. Within the text Shakespeare raises the question of whether Caliban is a Brute or a Noble Savage. My opinion is that Caliban is a Noble Savage who’s innocent ignorance ahs been irretrievably corrupted by the influence of civilisation. There are several justifications to support this. Caliban, despite the outward appearance of brutishness and inanity has at first an underlying intelligence, which becomes more prominent as the play progresses. His natural leadership and ability to take control become increasingly apparent throughout the play. When Prospero and Miranda first arrive on the island, Caliban welcomes them and teaches them how to survive on the island. He shows that he is unconditional in his generosity several times in this way. He also accepts Trinculo and Stephano and is willing to help them without expecting anything in return. “I prithee let me bring thee where crabs grow, And I with my long nails will dig thee pig nuts” This generosity can also be associated with his naivety and ignorance. He bears no grudge at having to share the island, which was his alone, until he is imprisoned and enslaved by Prospero. Prospero enslaved Caliban as a punishment. Shortly after befriending Prospero and Miranda, showing them survival, and learning their language, he attempts to rape Miranda. This however, I feel was a natural response for Caliban. Having grown up apart from civilisation, he is oblivious of the moral form that society expects and of what might be considered right or wrong. Because these principles had never been impressed on Caliban, he cannot be aware of what society may feel is ethically and morally correct. I feel that this could not be described a malevolent act, it is really ignorant procreation. Despite this ignorance of anything Prospero or Miranda has not taught him, Caliban is obviously bright and intelligent. He learns Prospero and Miranda’s language quickly, as well as having the initiative to realise the misusing the language would distress Miranda. Caliban is also a natural leader. Despite at first exaulting Stephano as a god, “These be fine things, an if they be not Sprites. That’s a brave god.” he soon displays his superior knowledge of the island. “ Be not afeared. The isle is full of noises, Sounds, and sweet airs, that give delight, and hurt not.” Caliban later takes control altogether, and becomes the leader of the trio, displaying the qualities of the more sophisticated characters such as Antonio and Prospero. “ Prithee, my king, be quiet. See’st thou here, This is the mouth ‘o’th’cell; no noise, and enter.” although retaining his naïve modesty that makes him such a likeable character despite his grotesque appearance. “ Do that good mischief which may make this island Thine own for ever, and I, thy Caliban, For aye thy foot-licker.” Caliban did not know language when Prospero and Miranda arrived on the island. Miranda taught him the language and later in the play he says. “ You taught me language, and my profit on’t Is, I know how to curse.” In this Statement, Caliban himself expresses how civilisation has affected him in a negative way...