1. Sentence fun
2. Check vocab & books & journal
3. Let's get playing & discussing
Discussion Questions
1. What type of person is Gonzalo? What was his role in the plot against Prospero? Does his behavior seem consistent with how he acts now?
2. Sebastian and Antonio ridicule Gonzalo. What does this tell us about their characters?
3. Antonio incites Sebastian to kill his brother and take the crown of Naples. Why? What does this tell us about Antonio’s motives? What does Sebastian’s response tell us about him? What could Shakespeare be saying about human nature?
4. Gonzalo's idea of a nation: the Utopia.
Homework questions to be answered on this blog:
1. Is it surprising that Caliban willingly worships Stephano and desires to give him control of the island when he resents Prospero for usurping what he considers his rightful claim? What does this show the audience about Caliban? (think literal and big picture)
I would suggest your answer your questions in a word/text document and then paste into the blog. And make sure you put your name either at the top or bottom of your post.
36 comments:
Though Caliban reacts to Stephano with the same hospitality that he displayed with Prospero, this is not surprising due to the fact that Stephano is crazy and eccentric, two things that Caliban has not experienced for a long time. Caliban is already angered by the fact that Prospero has taken over and made him a slave. Caliban is in a vulnerable emotional state and willing to accept and embrace anyone who is forthcoming and nice to him. In addition, the fact that Caliban has been drinking is a big factor in his decision. In Act 2, Scene 2, lines 139- 142, Trinculo talks about Caliban in a condescending tone: “By this good light, this is a very shallow monster. I afeard of him? A very week monster! The man i’ th’ moon? A most poor, credulous monster! Well drawn monster, in good sooth!” Trinculo is scolding himself for being afraid of such a simple-minded creature. Caliban replies, “I’ll show thee every fertile inch o’ th’ island- and I will kiss thy foot. I prithee be my go,” (2.2 Lines 143-144) Caliban seems oblivious to Trinculo’s insults. Whether Caliban is affected by drinking or not, readers are introduced to his accepting and vulnerable character. Throughout the whole seen, Caliban never suspects them, because he is too absorbed in his thoughts about being manipulated by Prospero. –Julia Pickel
I wasn’t very surprised that Caliban was worshipping the only people he has met other than Prospero and Miranda. This is because the only other time we’ve seen Caliban, and Prospero, and Miranda together they were telling Caliban what to do and being mean to him where as when he meets Stephano although repeatedly calling Caliban a monster was mean he is fairly nice and offers him wine. I think this reading/scene shows that this is really one of the first times any one has been nice to him (and given him alcohol). I think the alcohol has something to do with it but also the third and forth humans he has seen would seem like Gods to me too if they were that nice. Also the fact that Stephano didn’t immediately usurp him would be a big factor along with if he really were a God or even just a human he might have the power/chance to stop Prospero.
-B.K.W.Jr.
Kyle,
I was not at all surprised with the fact that Caliban is now loyal to Stephano. For one thing, when they first met, Stephano wasn't pushy and mean, as Prospero is towards him. Caliban is virtually a slave to Prospero, so anything where he doesn't have to listen and do hard labour for a man which he despises, Caliban will gladly accept to the terms. Stephano offers Caliban the liquor, he accepts, and they appear to be buds, and Caliban is now happier.
When Stephano meets Caliban, and basically decides that he is going to make him his slave, I was surprised at how easily Caliban agrees. Beyond that, he worships Stephano. I would think that because of the way he’d been treated by Prospero, he wouldn’t want another intruder coming in and taking over. On the other hand, maybe he is so dissatisfied with the way in which Prospero has been ruling the island that when Stephano comes he is relieved and pleased that there is someone new. This tells me that Caliban has become reliant on having someone there to rule the island. He could have tried to do something about Stephano, or at least put up some sort of fight, but instead he treats Stephano with reverence and devotion.
Erika
At first I think it is surprising that Caliban is so willing to turn himself over to a new master and to worship him and allow him to take over the island. Nevertheless, when we hear Caliban say, "That's a brave god, and bears celestial liquor. I will kneel to him. (2.2.113)", it becomes more clear that he admires Stephano. This could be because he is grateful to have someone different to rule the island because he dislikes Prospero. This could also be because Stephano possesses the "celestial liquid" which Caliban seems to enjoy a great deal. This says to me that Caliban sees a bright future with Stephano and that he would be happy to allow him to replace Prospero. Also, I think that Caliban is unhappy and therefore turns to the alcohol that Stephano is supplying as an escape from the unhappiness that he is feeling.
Olivia
The fact that Caliban worships Stephano willingly is a huge surprise to me because he believes that the island truly belongs to him yet he doesn’t even try to take power. It seems like Caliban may not be up for the job, but he would rather have someone else in power besides Prospero. This shows me that Caliban is indolent, even though he is offering to do all this good work for Stephano as long as he is in power. Yet he is also implying that he will be given something in return, showing that Caliban is dependent on others.
-Julia R
I don't really find it surprising that Caliban now worships Stephano. The only other people that he's ever made contact with, Prospero and Miranda, abhor him and keep him as their slave. Caliban is not treated well by them, so when he meets Stephano, he is surprised that they do not treat him badly as he has been in the past. The fact that Stephano offers Caliban wine probably affected Caliban's actions as well. He is drunk and resents the fact that Prospero controls him. In the weakened mental state that comes along with drunkenness, it would be easier for Caliban to make decisions without thinking of the consequences. His feelings seem contradictory to me. On one hand, he feels that he should control the island, not Prospero. On the other hand, he now worships Stephano and his bottle of wine, saying that he wants them to rule the island in Prospero's stead. He willingly shows them all the secrets of the island, not even thinking about the fact that Stephano and Trinculo may have evil motives. Of course, he is drunk at the time. Perhaps he'll pay for worshiping these new gods later.
-Laine Flores
It wasn't much of a surprise to me that Caliban was willing to worship Stephano, because Caliban was tired of being treated so poorly by Prospero. Caliban was mistreated, and drinking alcohol as well, which i believe also effected his choice. However, i think that whether the alcohol was a contributing factor of his choice he still would have worshipped Stephano, so that he could possibly get his revenge on Prospero. Therefore, i wouldn't think it would be much of a surprise. This shows that Caliban doesn't really think out his ideas, and allows his anger to control his actions. Also i completely agree with the fact that Caliban must depend of others to get his way. If Caliban truly wanted to turn on Prospero then he should have done it already. This begins to make me think that Caliban is too weak to handle his own problems.
-Anthony 'Bryce' Grubbs
I was not surprised when Caliban began to worship Stephano. Caliban has come to think of Prospero, the only man he knows, as powerful. Here is another man-he must also be powerful. Not only that, he has wine to bribe with. He is treating Caliban better than Prospero treated him. Why not go with Stephano? This shows that Caliban is judgmental. He does not even know Stephano very well--he does not stop to think that Stephano might change--he just worships Stephano. But this also shows that Caliban is dependent. All his life he has had someone to provide for him--first his mother Sycorax, now Prospero. And though Caliban wants to be free from Prospero, he does not want to be on his own. Here is a powerful, kind, wine-giving god to worship. It is not at all surprising that Caliban should hail him.
Eliza
Caliban already harbors a strong hate for Prospero prior to encountering Stephano; it comes as no surprise he is so quick to shift loyalties. Caliban is native to the island, and resents Prospero’s usurpation, but he has been raised as a dejected and hated slave for his entire life. All of his experiences and morals are based off of this lifestyle, making him vulnerability to manipulation. Stephano simply offers him a drink, and Caliban begins to worship him. “I’ll show thee the best springs; I’ll pluck thee berries; I’ll fish for thee, and get thee wood enough” (2.2, 155-156). Stephano and Trinculo quickly discover he is dim-witted, and Stephano seize Caliban’s offers gladly. Caliban's hospitality and allegiance could be of the same nature he greeted Prospero and Miranda twelve years ago. This portrays Caliban as susceptible to foreign kindness and the influence of others.
- Claire K.
It is no surprise that Caliban almost immediately worships Stephano once they meet. To Caliban, Stephano seems like the perfect, most amazing person he has ever met, just because the only people he has met are Prospero and Miranda. Stephano provides Caliban with “celestial liquor,” which immediately gets Caliban’s attention, and worship. He begins to love Stephano, much more than he ever liked Prospero. Prospero forced him to be his servant, whereas Stephano only gave him the wine, and never even asked for him to become his servant. Caliban believes Stephano is the perfect being, as shown when he asks, “Hast thou not dropped from heaven?” (Act 2 Scene 2 line 132). It is not suprising at all that Caliban wishes to become Stephano’s servant because he isn’t Prospero, he has this amazing drink that he offers to Caliban, and he never usurped him.
-Lindsay Levine
When Caliban meets Stephano and is dictated into becoming Stephano's slave, Caliban doesn’t put up much of an argument against Stephano's actions . It really sursprised my how passive Caliban was, and how easily he was dictated by Stephano. The reason I was so surprised by the way Caliban acted toward Stephano, was because Caliban was so poorly treated by Prospero, when Prospero was the ruler of the island. Caliban could have been so frightened that Stephano was going to treat him the same way prospero did, that he immediately showed respect and obedience to the new ruler. Also, Caliban could have been relieved that there was another ruler on the island, and so he wanted to show his greatfulness by obeying whatever Stephano demanded. This interaction tells me that Caliban doesn’t look at himself as a leader but merely as a follower. He is always dependent on following the actions of others and relying on other people to make decisions. It also shows that Caliban is not interested in fighting for what he wants, and he seems to be ok with the decisions of other people.
Eli the Mostre
It is not surprising that Caliban immediately worships Stephano. What is surprising is that Stephano insults Caliban; however, Caliban is oblivious. Previously stated, there was an idea that Caliban is treated with more respect now than in the last 12 years. Caliban thinks that this “decent” stranger’s act of “kindness” is more wondrous than Prospero and Miranda. He thinks that perhaps this stranger takes him for more than a slave and will give me a chance to prove himself. Similar to Frankenstein, this idea that you cannot experience joy if you never experienced despair links to Caliban. Because Prospero has treated him horribly by restraining him in a rock, he has never experienced joy with Prospero. Even though taking a sip of liquor from a drunken man is a small act of kindness, Caliban thinks it is the most wondrous gesture and substance created. In Caliban’s case, the idea is you can never experience true despair if you haven’t experienced true joy. After taking the sip of liquor, he reflects on how much he loathes Prospero. Caliban must make a decision, should he stay with Prospero in horrible conditions or shall he follow this promising stranger? Not taking into account the fact that he is drunk and joy is a much greater concept than experienced, Caliban chooses to follow Stephano. By making this decision, Caliban has shown that he is no longer loyal to Prospero and is ready for a fresh start. -Katie C.
I am not surprised at all that Caliban worships Stephano. I think that while of course this has to do with how poorly Prospero treated him, maybe Caliban also sees Stephano as the shiny, new toy. His willingness to serve Stephano partially has to do with the fact that he has been drinking, but I also believe that Caliban doesn't know how else to thank, repay or befriend people. To him servitude is a lifestyle and almost an honor. This clearly shows that Caliban is a follower and will give in to the greater force in almost all situations. Additionally, Caliban is easily pleased. I think that in the long run, this might become problematic if Caliban worships whoever has the greatest fortune.
-Katarina Fineman
I agree with Kyle's point. Because Caliban knows only the treatment of Prospero and Miranda, he has grown accustomed to it. He is overwhelmed and joyful to meet someone else. Immediately, he notices a lack of demand in Stephano's voice, and just as soon begins to like it. When he realizes that they are not there to pinch him or punish him, he says to himself; "These be fine things, an if they not be sprites. That's a brave god, and bears celestial liquor. I will kneed to him." (Shakespeare act. 2.2 Line 112) At the first sign of civil treatment, Caliban assumes that Stephano is a god. This sudden decision is a factor of alcohol influences and surprise. It shows how naive Caliban's character is, because he is so deprived of connection to the outside world. Since he only knows Prospero's acts towards him, he is willing to go with anything he can get.
--Devan
If, as a young child, the first dog you tried to pet bit you, wouldn’t you be wary of the next dog you came across? Apply this idea to Caliban and his experience with men. As Caliban explained to Prospero. “I lov’d thee, And show’d thee all the qualities o’th’isle, The fresh springs, brine pits, barren place and fertile - Curs’d be I that I did so!” (1,2.336). This shows that the first man Caliban met, Prospero, “bit” him: Prospero used Caliban to learn about the island and then enslaved him. That experience should have made Caliban wary of men. The next man Caliban came across was Stephano. Was Caliban wary of Stephano when he first met him? No, he was not. In fact, Caliban offered Stephano the same hospitality he showed Prospero by stating, “I’ll show thee every fertile inch o’ th’ island,” (2,2.143). This goes against what instinctive logic tells us to do. If the first people you met enslaved you, wouldn’t you be wary of the next people you meet? You do not share your knowledge with these new people, but rather shy away from them. This is why I was surprised when Caliban pledged himself to Stephano. Caliban did not think about the fact that Stephano could turn on him and make Caliban his slave just like Prospero did. All he wanted was to be freed from Prospero. This showed me that Caliban is a weak character who does not think about the future: he only looks for ways to improve his situation right there and then, no matter what the punishment may be later.
- Emi L.
I would not say that I was surprised by Caliban's reaction to Stephano. I would say that it is an almost typical reaction of someone who has been oppressed for so long. Caliban resents the fact that he is Prospero's slave. When Stephano comes along with a very friendly, and warm disposition, not to mention the wine, Caliban becomes infatuated with Stephano. This ties in with not only the ruler and subject theme, but also, the encounters with natives theme. Caliban is awed by Stephano, as evidenced in line 132 "Hast thou not dropped from heaven?". This shows a very interesting side of Caliban. Prospero looked down on Caliban with scorn, referring to him as a savage, deformed beast. This paints a picture of an emotionless, inhuman, monster. When in fact, we see that Caliban is simply broken down by all of the work he does for Prospero. Caliban simply wants a friendly, humane leader. Because he was deprived of this for so long, he ended up making Stephano his god. -John Rusbarsky
At first, I was very surprised by the way that Caliban almost automatically gave Stephano control of the island. If I was mistreated by my first master, and finally managed to escape his grasp, I would not run into the hands of another. That, however, is exactly what Caliban does. Caliban relies on having companionship, even if it is a master who doesn’t always treat him very well. In others way, it is not surprising that Caliban willingly worships Stephano. Since he has only ever known Prospero and Miranda, the idea of getting revenge on Prospero is very appealing. Stephano is very different from anyone he has ever known, and the fact that he is intoxicated only makes him more captivating. After being previously ridiculed and mistreated by Prospero, Caliban sees Stephano as a god (Act 2.2, Lines 112-114). As a god, Caliban believes that Stephano will help him. Overall, the theme of master versus servant is continued through this plotline. Caliban wants the companionship that accompanies having a master, as well as getting help from his “god.” Stephano also willing accepts Caliban’s pledge of allegiance to him; it sounds kind of silly, because really, who wouldn’t want someone worshipping you? But in this case, Stephano could have turned Caliban aside. Having a servant can make you feel powerful, and this reveals that both of these characters require companionship.
-Kate Claman
I agree with Emi. I was very surprised when Caliban fell into the same trap again. Many similarities can be seen with the scenes in which Caliban meets Stephano and Prospero. In both scenes, the men are nice to him, but all they want is the island. Since Caliban was fooled into showing Prospero the secrets of the island, I believed that he would be more cautious with Stephano. This was not the case. Caliban was tricked into showing Stephano the secrets as well. This can be interpreted in two ways: Caliban is easily fooled, or he didn't want the power in the first place. I believe that Caliban is not looking for power or the island; he just wants a friend, as the creature did. Caliban felt this way when Prospero came to the island, and was nice to him, but Prospero then betrayed him. When Stephano came, Caliban received a second chance at having a companion. Caliban chooses to believe that Stephano is god-like, and won't betray him.
Grace Donahoe
Stephano arrives on the island and Caliban reacts in a way I would assume he would react in having another man on the island. Caliban assumes this man is like Prospero which seems to make sense, for all he knows. Caliban throws himself on the ground and tries to hide from Stephano by crawling under his cloak. Once Stephano finds him, Caliban cries out "Do not torment me, prithee! I'll bring my wood home faster" (2.2.69). Caliban is scared that Stephano will do something bad to him as Prospero would have. What surprised me is when Stephano gets Caliban to drink and Caliban likes the liquor so much that Stephano wins Caliban over. He wants Stephano to be his god. To himself Caliban says, "These be fine things, an if they be not sprites. Thats a brave god, and bears celestial liquor. I will kneel to him"(2.2.112). Caliban swears to be Stephano's true subject and says he will take him all over the island and show him all the secret places to get food.
Caliban is too much enjoying the moment and not accounting for the past. If he had remembered his past he might have related Stephano's arrival to when Prospero tried to take over the island which is why he is now so miserable.
Stephano arrives on the island and Caliban reacts in a way I would assume he would react in having another man on the island. Caliban assumes this man is like Prospero which seems to make sense, for all he knows. Caliban throws himself on the ground and tries to hide from Stephano by crawling under his cloak. Once Stephano finds him, Caliban cries out "Do not torment me, prithee! I'll bring my wood home faster" (2.2.69). Caliban is scared that Stephano will do something bad to him as Prospero would have. What surprised me is when Stephano gets Caliban to drink and Caliban likes the liquor so much that Stephano wins Caliban over. He wants Stephano to be his god. To himself Caliban says, "These be fine things, an if they be not sprites. Thats a brave god, and bears celestial liquor. I will kneel to him"(2.2.112). Caliban swears to be Stephano's true subject and says he will take him all over the island and show him all the secret places to get food. Caliban is too much enjoying the moment and not accounting for the past. If he had remembered his past he might have related Stephano's arrival to when Prospero tried to take over the island which is why he is now so miserable.
-Lotte Off
Caliban is accustom to being a slave due to Prospero's rule over him. It isn't unusual that Caliban conforms to Stephano in a servant to master relationship. I believe he is more willing to become Stephano's servent because of his more affectionate nature. Through his actions, Caliban shows the audience that he is passive and that he is willing to support Stephano but doesn't necessarily want to have that power all for himself.
-Ally
It seems as if Caliban is trying to find someone to trust and he’s not thinking through things entirely. Because Prospero was naturally mean to him, he thinks that if someone is nice to him, it must be genuine. He bows down to Stephano because he can’t control his emotions and he will do anything to pay Prospero back. This tells us that Caliban doesn’t have the right mindset, causing him to be persuaded very easily by anyone that acts as if they are nice or as if they actually want to help Caliban. - Patrick
I was not surprised by Caliban's course of action because oppression and intoxication will often cause people to react impulsively. Caliban possessed passionate detestation towards Prospero, and Stephano coincidentally appeared while Caliban was taking on a grueling task of his despot. Stephano gave Caliban alcohol which made him giddy and even more passionate. The mix of alcohol and hatred resulted in Caliban wishing to be held under this seemingly less oppressive ruler. Caliban was desperate for change and when this welcoming stranger appeared and treated him nicely, he jumped at the chance to change his ruler. This reveals that Caliban is despairing and easily manipulated.
Kevin Mellin
Caliban’s treatment of Stephano is very reflective of how he was raised by Prospero. Because he was betrayed by Prospero, Caliban was very cautious, and maybe even scared when meeting Stephano because he thought Stephano was coming to torture him like Prospero did. When Caliban first sees and hears Stephano, he cries, “Do not torment me! O!” (2.2 line 55), and “The spirit torments me! O!” (2.2 line 62), and “Do not torment me, prithee! I’ll bring my wood home faster” (2.2 line 69-70). After Caliban is offered the liquor, Caliban assumes that Stephano is being kind to Caliban, and then Caliban is very nice towards Stephano. Caliban is a being that had felt betrayed and lonesome, and desperately wanted someone to offer him some kindness, and Stephano was able to fulfill Caliban’s want for a nice person.
-Albert
When I read act two scene two, I was very surprised at how willingly Caliban offers himself and his island to Stephano, because of his very polar reaction towards Prospero. I would think that when he had the chance for freedom, he would take it rather than submit himself as a willing slave to a stranger. There are however several factors that could have explained his actions. For one, the fact that Stephano offered him alcohol, something he had probably never tasted, thus intoxicating him. Caliban had also been in slavery for so long that he knew no other life, and therefore responded to freedom by submitting himself to another master. He could also be planning on using Stephano to seek revenge on Prospero, although I doubt this due to his extreme passion and eagerness towards Stephano. Caliban's love for Prospero could have also be brought about by loneliness; without Prospero and Miranda, he has no one. And wouldn't you rather be a servant of a stranger than the sole inhabitant of an island?
-Eric Zeitz
I am not surprised by how willingly Caliban was to praise Stephano and trust him wholeheartedly. Prospero tricked Caliban long ago, thus sending him into many years of despair and hatred. The miserable time under Prospero’s rule has made Caliban faint hearted and left him yearning for freedom and a better life. When Stephano approached Caliban and offered him Friendship instead of threats Caliban eagerly agreed, failing to see the resemblance of this confrontation with his and Prospero’s. This shows that Caliban is easily enticed and fails to see what’s beyond the current situation. Trevor Reinhart
I was not surprised by how Caliban acted towards Stephano. How he was raised and the fact that he was intoxicated are the two main factors that justify his actions. By Prospero treating him so poorly, he became much more open to new companionships. He also became more vulnerable to being taken advantage of by others. Before, all Caliban had ever known was how he was treated by Prospero and Miranda, which made him become unaware of what was considered humane. When Stephano offered Caliban the “celestial liquor”, Caliban immediately gained more admiration towards him. Because of Stephano’s kindness, he came to the conclusion that he was a very powerful and reputable person. This shows that Caliban is very weak and that his decisions are greatly affected by alcohol. These traits will most likely come back to haunt him as the play progresses.
-Hannah Hylton
I do not think it is surprising that Caliban willingly decides to be under the command of Stephano. As Kevin said, when someone is intoxicated they will act in ways that are usually unexpected. While Stephano encourages Caliban to have more to drink, Caliban is venting about his hatred for Prospero. This may have happened coincidentally, but it was set up perfectly for Stephano. The situation played out in his favor and showed that even though Trinculo was poking fun, nothing stopped Caliban to agree to his new "god", Stephano. Although Caliban is stubborn, he was hopelessly in need of change. This proves that any emotion can overcome personality in a time of desperation.
-Chloë Conacher
Given Caliban's mental state, it was not surprising that he willingly worships Stephano. While expecting to be punished from one of Prospero’s spirits, the surprise appearance of Trinculo and Stephano was a great relief to Caliban. Caliban lived in a state of constant fear of abuse from Prospero. Caliban had drank wine, which prevented him from using his better judgement. When Trinculo and Stephano appeared he was so grateful to not be punished he gave them his total and complete devotion. In his drunk state nothing could possibly seem more superb then worshiping Stephano and living a blissful life. Caliban’s desire to rid his life of Prospero resulted in him idealizing Stephano. This shows how desperate his life with Prospero was. He would very quickly follow others with the promise of a better life. -Aislinn Martin
It is not surprising to me that Caliban was worshiping Stephano because Caliban almost admires him. When they first met Stephano was mean to Caliban. Stephano was saying how horrible Caliban was when he was offering Stephano food. I also think that the alcohol has something to do with it because in the book it says Caliban will bow down to the brave god that holds the liquor.
Chris
I was slightly surprised that Caliban jumped at the opportunity to serve Stephano and found it completely unsurprising he would leave Prospero. If I were in Caliban's position I wouldn't hesitate to leave an abusing master, however having that experience I would be careful about who I chose for a new master. I think Stephano's kindness and wine played major parts in Caliban's decision. This tells us that Caliban despises Prospero and he doesn't consider the consequences of his actions. - Caleb
I was definitely slightly surprised by Caliban's almost immediate loyalty to Stephano. I agree with all my classmates that there were many things leading Caliban to this loyalty, the alcohol, his desire to rid himself of Prospero, ect. However, I think Shakespeare has used Caliban’s reaction to Stephano to show a bigger picture- a reflection of a quality of the human nature. Like many of my peers said, Caliban has met at most three people in his life- his mother, Prospero, Miranda- the majority of whom have treated him badly. Seeming, as this was the only impression Caliban has ever had about the human race, one would guess that he would assume the worst in people. I think the fact that Caliban is still open minded and optimistic shows that although he has had a rough life he is still a good man, and an accepting one at that- whether or not this will help or hurt him I am uncertain. This suggests to me that Shakespeare is implying that people are born good and turn bad, apposed to being born bad. - Hannah B.
I didn't really understand why Caliban would stay a free human. Because from what i have learned in history classes is that all slaves want to be free. Not get right under a new owner. I think its because he hasn't been with many people since he left his mom. He has only been under the control of Prospero and Miranda and they haven't been very nice to him. He hates them because prospero sends spirits to torture Caliban because he doesn't follow Prospero's exact order. "Here comes a spirit of his, and to torment me For bringing wood in slowly. I'll fall flat. Perchance he he will not mind" (2.2.15-17)-- Chely Cordova
I was not surprised when Caliban worshipped Stephano. Prospero had kept Caliban as a less then human slave and this abuse caused him to hate Prospero immensely. Calibans hate is furthered by the fact that Prospero displayed more power than his mother and so Caliban resents Prospero’s superiority. When Caliban worshiped and swore allegiance to Stephano he saw it as a way out from the life he was currently living. On top of all this he was very drunk which somewhat impaired his judgment. This shows us that Caliban had hope of a better life which he one day wants to seize.
-Mitchell M
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