Hi all. This is where you should post your responses to the homework questions below. Thanks!
Respond to the following:
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 to the island?
2. What does this show about Caliban?
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ReplyDelete1. I do not find this surprising at all. Calliban wanted to be treated better and when Stephano came out of nowhere and helped him, he saw someone that he would rather have in charge than Prospero. If Calliban already hates Prospero, why wouldn’t he pledge his loyalty to someone else who, so far, shows care for him?
ReplyDelete2. I think it tells us that Calliban is against Prospero and possibly wants revenge. This could come up later in the plot. It could be a reason that the characters would come together to do something against Prospero.
-Connolly
1. It is not surprising that Caliban willingly worships Stephano because first of all, he is drunk so he is not thinking straight, and also he believes that Stephano is a god because his liquor is so great. Caliban doesn't care if he is exchanging one master for another because he most likely feels that it can only go uphill from the way Prospero treats him. He knows that he cannot be the ruler of his island, so he would rather be ruled by someone he likes than someone who orders him around and treats him like dirt.
ReplyDelete2. Not only does it show us that Caliban resents Prospero and is willing to give him up for another master, but also that he might not be the 'sharpest knife in the block.' If this is foreshadowing, Caliban might be one to repeat mistakes. When Prospero arrived on his island, Caliban showed him around and was very hospitable. (Exactly how he is treating Stephano.) Now that he is showing Stephano around, there is a chance the relationship could progress to be like Caliban and Prospero's relationship.
-Morgan
1. I am not surprised that Caliban willingly worships Stephano, seeing that he is completely drunk. In his stupor, he comes to believe that Stephano is a god, because his liquor is "celestial". Also, he hates Prospero for how he treats him, so switching from, in Caliban's view, a tyrant, to a "brave god" who gives him magic wine overjoys him.
ReplyDelete2. It shows that:
a) Caliban is an oppurtunist of sorts, as he takes the chance to exchange a cruel master for what appears to be a better one.
b)Caliban enjoys drinking alchoholic beverages, and is happy to indulge in unknown god wine.
c) Caliban's decision to just take up a new master may not have seemed like the best one, but it could be a good way to get revenge on Prospero...
1. I don't find it surprising that Caliban willingly worships Stephano and wants to give him control of the island. Stephano has been nothing but kind to Caliban and kindness is something that Caliban hasn't received for a very long time. The juxtaposition of Stephano and Prospero leaves Caliban wanting kindness. While Prospero is cruel to Caliban and tricked him into giving him control of the the island, Stephano asks for Caliban's help and is going to give Caliban some control of the island.
ReplyDelete2. This shows that Caliban wants to be treated well and is drawn towards people who treat him well. Likewise, in order to trick Caliban into giving him the information that he needed to take control of the island, Prospero treated Caliban nicely. Also, Caliban hasn't learned very much from his last experience as Stephano could be tricking him as well.
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 to the island?
ReplyDeleteI do not believe that Caliban’s reaction is at all surprising. He has resented being lorded over by Prospero for twelve years, and in his first encounter with another person in a position of power, he is given a drink that is “not earthly”, that makes him feel better than he ever has, and is treated more kindly then Prospero has treated him for over eleven years. Is it at all surprising that he immediately refers to the bearer of the divine liquor as a god and subsequently worships him? At this point, Caliban must think that anyone else is a better master then Prospero, who berates him and inflicts corporal punishment upon him whenever he can.
2. What does this show about Caliban?
This shows that Caliban has become desperate. After a dozen years of having a harsh master such as Prospero, he has decided that if he cannot obtain his freedom, a kinder master will do — a master like Stephano, who gives him liquor. He thinks that since Stephano has alcohol, he must have other wonderful things to give unto his faithful servant, and, in his kindness, will not flatter him and then turn against him like Prospero did, and maybe will someday reward him with his liberty and the island that he considers to be his birthright through Sycorax. Caliban decides to serve Stephano not only out of reverence caused by and reverence unto the drink, but out of necessity as well.
1. I don't find it very surprising that Caliban worships Stephano, because presumably he has never had liquor before and is in awe of how it makes him feel. Considering that he is feeling good as an effect of the alcohol, it makes sense for him to be very welcoming to Stephano, especially since he has provided him with the drink when he could have kept it for himself. Because Stephano shows just that small kindness, Caliban takes to opportunity to abandon Prospero while he can, who doesn't seem to treat him well.
ReplyDelete2. To leap at the opportunity to have a new master he doesn't even know, Caliban must be so tired of being a slave of Prospero that anything would be better than it. It may also show that he is rash, since he has no idea what Stephano is like and whether he will treat him better or worse than Prospero after some time, or once the effects of alcohol wear off. It may also show that although he claims the island is rightfully his, he doesn't believe in the chance that he might be able to take control of it after being a slave for so long. Therefore he pledges himself to live under another man without it even being demanded of him, though it means he is further restricting himself from reigning over the island.
The fact that Caliban worshiped Stephano was not very surprising at all, as Stephano in one day brought more reward to Caliban than Prospero ever had. Due to the fact that Prospero did nothing but punish Caliban, as he did with the spirits at the beginning of the scene, Caliban warmly welcomed a change of pace and soon immediately considered Stephano to be a god as he brought amazing liquor. Caliban was most definitely hoping for more of this treatment in the future, which is why he so eagerly attempted to get Stephano and Trinculo to let him show everything the island (and he) had to offer.
ReplyDeleteCaliban's eager attempt at a new master clearly displayed that he was filled with resent of Prospero. Caliban could also be somewhat impulsive, as he is not exactly sure what these men have to offer other than liquor, a cheap thrill. The fact that liquor in itself could endear this slave to a complete stranger could lead one the conclusion that Caliban clearly had never tasted such a mystical thing in his life, and that he obviously was not very privileged. This relationship also could display that Caliban is somewhat lonely, as it seems he does not have anybody he can call a true friend/master. However, this relationship could just as easily fall into a dismal state such as his current one with Prospero, which leaves many different future scenarios, such as using them to get back at Prospero or just obtaining more enemies.
-Noah Paravicini
1)I don’t find it that surprising because Caliban’s last couples of years with Prospero have been horrible. Stephano also goes out of his way to give Caliban alcohol and in the end gets him drunk. So there for I’m not completely sure If Caliban really even knows what he saying to Stephano. If he’s drunk or not I still am not surprised in what he is saying, because I think Caliban wants to get Prospero back through Stephano.
ReplyDelete2) I think this shows that Caliban is not as evil as Prospero says he is when talking to him through the book. I also think that Caliban is going to be a big obstacle, in Prospero’s plan actually working. It shows how much Caliban hates Prospero and how much he wants him to get off his Island.
Instantly, rom the very beginning of the scene, Caliban's vengeance it is made apparent. He enters the scene shouting imprecations and swearing like a 16th century sailor directing his words toward Prospero. At this point in the story, I believe it is fair to say that Caliban is fighting between all sorts of emotions. Firstly, he is vengeful toward Prospero as a result of his blatant belief of Prospero's supposed wrongdoings. Also, I think Caliban is hurt and is in dire need of someone to serve. I believe this is his sole desire since this is all he has known; being an object. To me, it was surprising that he took to the drunkard Stephano so quickly but then again it makes sense. Simply put, Caliban immediately took to the first signs of kindness he found. Every man and beast in my experience, generally wants to be treated with some respect and kindness and since it had been so long that he had felt any type of that, Stephano appeared like a savior to him. In his words, Stephano was "a wondorous man" and a "brave god". Unfortunately for him, I do not believe that these feelings were reciprocated to that degree or any degree. Through out the entire rest of the scene, he is ridiculed by both Stephano and Trisculo but seems both oblivious and ignorant to it. This goes to show the emotionally fragile state Caliban is in. I think this will turn to be quite dangerous for Caliban later in the story since it seems that the beast's interests are not the first things in Stephano's head at the moment.
ReplyDeleteInstantly, from*** to make corrections on my typo in my first sentence.
ReplyDelete1. The fact that Caliban willingly worships Stephano is not surprising to me at all. I would argue that he is in a state of extreme anguish before Stephano arrives. He is dubious of everyone that confronts him, because of his apprehensiveness towards Prospero. At this point, I think he would rather worship just about anyone besides Prospero. And with the added aspect of the alcohol, Caliban feels welcome and accepted by Stephan. I think that even if he were not drunk, he would be ok with accepting Stephano as his lord. He may even think of him as godly, because he refers to his liquor as "celestial".
ReplyDelete2. This shows that Caliban is very vulnerable and he doesn't think much about his actions. The fact that he is willing to worship this figure that he barely knows just because he hates Prospero so much is slightly concerning. Stephano could end up to be just as bad as Prospero if not worse, and it seems as that might be where the plot is leading us. Caliban seems like a very isolated character and he doesn't have anyone who he really considers a friend. This definitely builds up a lot of hatred and sadness which he could use to plot against Prospero, which could affect the plot later on.
-Holland Bool
1. It is not surprising that Caliban has shown much generosity to Trinculo and Stephano, Caliban had welcomed Prospero with the same hospitality when Prospero first came to the island (Note on line 143). At first he believes that Trinculo is a spirit, but after much “comfort” from Stephano, Caliban worships Stephano. Trinculo and Stephano give Caliban a “celestial drink” which is actually wine and which is making Caliban drunk. The two call Caliban a monster and mooncalf or monstrosity, but because Caliban is drunk, he doesn’t understand a word they say. He is just too excited that two men have came to help him. Caliban also is willing to show them the island, which he believes was wrongfully taken from him by Prospero. This resentment against Prospero makes Caliban want to give Stephano control of the island.
ReplyDelete2. What this shows about Caliban is that he is naive and is willing to do whatever it takes to overthrow Prospero. It seems that Caliban resents Prospero for everything has done to him. Caliban believes that Prospero has taken his island and by making him Prospero’s servant made this resentment even stronger.
1.I don't find it surprising that Caliban agreed because when he volunteered to work for Stephano he was intoxicated. Stephano came to Caliban with a bottle of wine and unintentionally got his support because of Caliban's hate for Prospero. If Caliban thought about it, he wouldn't have supported Stephano because of his resentment for Prospero. Because Caliban has never had wine before it is not surprising that he would make an irrational decision.
ReplyDelete2. This shows that Caliban is quick to make judgments and is susceptible to other peoples charm. He is so susceptible to other peoples charm that he is willing to trade tyrants. It is apparent that he doesn't consider himself worthy of ruling the island. He doesn't consider the option that he could rule if he didn't submit himself to other peoples rule.
-Raja Klein
1. I do not in fact find it surprising that Caliban willing worships Stephano. Caliban is completely fed up with the way that Prospero treats him. In the beginning of Act II scene II, before Caliban even meets Stephano, he is complaining about how Prospero and Prospero's spirits torment him. At this point, I think Caliban would willing worship a pig, as long as the animal was kinder to him than Prospero. In addition, Caliban is drunk so Stephano appears as a god in Caliban's eyes because he is kind to him and the one supplying him with liquor.
ReplyDelete2. This scene shows us that Caliban feels he is in great need of a new master and will do anything to get one. It also exhibits that Caliban does not think about the consequences of his actions, especially when intoxicated. Caliban is quick to forget how kindly Prospero treated him in the beginning, much like how Stephano is treating him now.
-Isabel Keene
It is quite surprising that Caliban chooses to willingly follow another master after fighting so hard against his present master for independence and freedom. He really wants to own his island, but that may be why he sides with Stephano. He believes being with Stephano will rescue him from the jaws of Prospero and that he will then be able to use him to plot against Prospero. Also Caliban has both a rebellious and cowardly side to him. The cowardly side is reflected in his decision to blindly follow Stephano. Often Caliban will stand up to Prospero in front of his face, but in the face of slight torture he shies quickly away into a corner. I think it also shows that Caliban depends on others to free him from his situation and that he never truly learned independence because he was made an orphan early and since then has been a servant.
ReplyDelete-Ram K
1. It was not a to surprise to me that Caliban chose to follow Stephano, because Caliban is just sick and tired of living under Prospero. I completely understand why Caliban likes Stephano, he gave him a drink, he does not beat him or insult him, and Caliban is probably interested in overthrowing Prospero, and getting his rightful land back. Since Caliban despises his master, Prospero, so much, he must want to do anything to seek revenge upon the man who took his land and then imprisoned him. What i am curious about, is if Caliban can use his new master to an advantage towards dethroning Prospero.
ReplyDelete2. I believe this shows a few things about Caliban. I think it shows he truly hates Prospero, he can be a backstabber to go against his master to follow someone else, and it shows that he dose not care about his fate enough to be faithful to his rightful master. Now that he has chosen a new man to follow, it could have its benefits and advantages, but could also have bad consequences, for example Prospero finding out and trying to kill him. What i do know, is now some tension is bubbling, and an outcome of this choice could be imminent.
-Quinton Capretta
1) I do not find it surprising that Caliban willingly worships Stephano when he appears on the island. Throughout the entire play thus far, Caliban has been cursing and openly defying Prospero, making it clear how much he despises him. In Act II, scene II, lines 1-3, he declares, "All the infections that the sun sucks up from bogs, fens, flats, on Prosper fall, and make him by inchmeal a disease!" This clearly shows his hatred and disgust for Prospero, which is most likely why he was so eager to worship Stephano instead. He's been under Prospero's command for so long, he was eager to find a new master. Also, after tasting Stephano's wine, he is in awe of him. This may be another contributor to worshipping Stephano, for he thinks he has dropped from the moon and brought this "celestial liquor" to him.
ReplyDelete2) This shows that Caliban can be easily convinced. He automatically believes Stephano's story about coming from the moon, and is quick to worship a new master instead of Prospero. He hates Prospero so immensely that he will take on any new master at this point. I think that shows that he is desperate, and therefore vulnerable, for he will worship a master like Stephano, who he doesn't even know much about.
1. To me it is not surprising that Caliban would willingly offer his alligence to Stephano. He has resentment from Prosporo taking control of him and the island, so I can understand why he would want to serve someone with the same goal as he has. He would want to prove to Prosporo that this was his island to start with, and he can’t just swoop in and take control of it and everything that inhabited it.
ReplyDelete2. This shows that Caliban has enough of a mind to know what he wants and stands for. To him it probably feels as though Prosporo is using his island as the kingdom he wish he still has seeing as he was overthrown from his old position of power. Like he has to be in control of something to get his way. I can see how Caliban would feel undermined from this change of lifestyle that happened so suddenly. Caliban is also someone of revenge. He wants to get back at Prosporo for what he has done to him, by betraying him in giving his word to serving someone completely new.
1. I am not surprised at all that Caliban willingly hands the island over to Stephano and worships him. Staphano is nice to him and gives Caliban some of his godly liquor. Also, Caliban must feel like treatment he would receive from Stephano is better than that received from Prospero. Prospero was always very mean, and here comes a nice guy with godly liquor. I think Caliban has endured so much torture that he figures anyone is better than Prospero.
ReplyDelete2. This shows just how desperate Caliban is to find a new master. He resented serving Prospero so much that he figures anyone else has to be better than Prospero. It also shows that Caliban's quick to judge. Maybe Stafano will be even worse than Prospero. But Caliban still makes such a big choice in an instant. He just hands himself over to Stephano because he's nice in the moment and has godly liqor. Caliban can't be the smartest fellow on the island if he is making decisions like this as if they're nothing.
Act 2 Scene 2 to me is not surprising because Caliban was mad at prospero for not treating him fairly. When Stephano comes out and helps Caliban and gives him wine Caliban realizes that Stephanos is a better leader and Caliban would rather be under the rule of Stephanos because he treats him fairly.
ReplyDeleteThis shows that Caliban can be influenced easily and really did not like prospero and thinks that Stephanos would be a better ruler because he is nice and treats Caliban with respect. This Also may shows that Caliban might get prospero in trouble by tring to give the island to Stephanos to rule. Making Caliban a person that u can't trust
In response to the first question, I am not surprised by Caliban's actions. This nice man (Stephano) comes along and instead of trying to avoid this "monster", he sacrifices some of his liquor to the monster. However, there are underlying thoughts going on through one, if not both, of these men's minds. The book tells us that Stephano is deciding to try to tame the monster and take it back to give to an emperor in his homeland. However, Caliban does not know this. Caliban's actions, assuming he is not drunk from Stephano's liquor, leads me to believe he wants to use Stephano as a vessel. I believe that he will help Stephano rise to power, and then take the power from him. And even if these are not Caliban's intentions, I am still not surprised. Caliban could also be drunk, or seeing how nice this man is, would much rather have him be his master than Prospero.
ReplyDeleteThis shows us just how much Caliban hates Prospero, how desperate he is to have a new master. And if my assumptions about Caliban's intentions are correct, then it shows us how "monstrous" Caliban might actually be.
1) I am not surprised at all that Caliban worships Stephano. I think that the only reason Caliban adores him at that moment is because he is drunk and he is unable to think clearly. He believes Stephano is a god and that the liquor he brought doesn't seem to come from this world (page 44 line 121, "the liquor is not earthly"). Caliban thinks that since Stephano is a god, he will treat him a lot better than Prospero will. He believes that unlike Prospero, the "god" will not send spirits to torture him.
ReplyDelete2) I think this shows that Caliban despises Prospero and will do almost anything to get away from all the spirits sent to punish him. Caliban loves the liquor that Stephano brought, so if he is his servant then he will get to enjoy these unearthly beverages.
I was not particularly surprised that Caliban so willingly worshiped Stephano and desired to give him control of the island. At this point I think Caliban would like anyone besides Prospero to have control. Prospero has treated him like dirt and insulted him relentlessly, whereas Stephano has done him a favor, and given him some special alcohol. It is my belief that Caliban hopes that under the rule of Stephano he will have some rights and maybe even a say in how things are run. However, what this says about Caliban is that he a very good self advocate. If he really meant what he said to Prospero- that he could be the ruler of the island- he would not of signed up to worship this mysterious new guy. For all Caliban knows, Stephano could be worse than Prospero while he tricks people into thinking he is good by luring them with alcohol. Alcohol dulls senses and worsens judgement, and Caliban could well be the victim in this situation.
ReplyDelete1) I am not surprised that Caliban now worships Stephano. How could a horrible creature (who hates Prospero) pass up the opportunity to "switch" masters? However, I feel that Caliban may be playing at something; he seems untrustworthy and sly in the story, and I find it hard to trust him. On the other hand, maybe Caliban was being kind to Stephano because he was drunk and disoriented. When Caliban yells out "Has a new master--get a new man! Freedom, high-day! High-day, freedom!" I was confused because Caliban isn't free. Perhaps Caliban thinks that with this new master he will have more rights and a better life. But if Prospero was treating Caliban poorly, how will Stephano treat him? Caliban can't judge Stephano yet because he has never met him!
ReplyDelete2)Caliban's decision to serve Stephano shows how (how do I say this...) uneducated he is. Caliban obviously enjoys the liquor, and expects he will get more if he attends to Stephano. I expect that Stephano enjoys his liquor also and won't want to share any more than he already has. Also, Caliban couldn't possibly have known that leaving his old master Prospero (who's a magical old man) was a bad decision. Prospero has always had the ability to place horrible curses on Caliban if he wanted to; and now he's been provoked.
I don't find it surprising that Caliban worships Stephano. I think that Caliban was annoyed that he was treated so bad and he thought that Stephano might treat him better and more like a human.I also think that the fact that he was drunk made him not care as much about what he was doing.
ReplyDeleteThis shows that Caliban hates Prospero and that even though he is a slave, he still looks out for himself to a great enough extent that he would be disloyal to his master. I also think that this shows Caliban as an opportunist.
1. I am not suprised that Caliban worships Stephano. He has been treated terrible by Prospero, and then Stephano comes around and is nice to him. That persuades Caliban to trust him not so much worship. Because this is probably the first "person" to be nice to him since his mom, his trust is a little excessive making trust become worship. I was not the least bit suprised.
ReplyDelete2. This shows that his relationship with Prospero is a terrible one that Caliban wishes to end. It also shows that he is tired of being forced to do things against his will. The final thing that it shows is that Caliban is his #1 priority, because this chang would be mostly beneficial to him
I apologize if this is rather short, but my entire comment was deleted and I am a bit frustrated right now.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 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 to the island?
It is not overly suprising that Caliban worships Stephano and wants to give him control of the island even though he resents Prospero for taking control of the island in the first place. Calban has never been treated as an equal, and Stephano does not try to control Caliban yet treats him closer to an equal, making him much more appealing than Prospero. One must remember that Caliban has never met another human that has not been his superior, with the possible exception of of Miranda, so he likely beleives Stephano to have as much power as Prospero. Caliban seems like he has accepted the fact that he cannot rule the island until Prospero either leaves or dies, so having Stephano appear seemingly turns the tables on Prospero. He has no knowledge that there are other people on the island, so he may beleive Stephano to be a spirit, which apparently have strong magical powers. I doubt Caliban could recognize alcohol, so this may seem like a magical drink to him, and thus make Stephano seem like a benevolent person- he is willingly sharing his "magic" for no personal gain. Thus, Caliban choosing Stephano as his master (god seems excessive) is logical, and could end badly for him.
Question 2: What does this show about Caliban?
This shows that Caliban has assessed humanity incorrectly. When he sees a human, he beleives them to be all-powerful beings, when in reality people like Trinculo and Stephano are quite weak and have no power over him whatsoever. Also, it shows that he is quick to trust new people. I beleive that this is out of desperation, as he has nobody he can call a friend, thus making anybody who shows kindness to him a companion. However, this could show something deeper about Caliban. Perhaps he naturally trusts people, and this is why he hates Prospero so much- Prospero could have taken advantage of his trust. Caliban is quite ignorant in nature, and it is clear that sycorax did not teach him much before death, possibly out of shame from her past. This ignorance is easy to exploit, and it makes Caliban a character to watch whilst going through the play.
-Cole Kennedy
I do find it surprising that Caliban worships Stephano. Caliban has already had the experience of welcoming in a random man and then having him treat him awfully. So, you would think that he would have learned from this mistake. Although Caliban was probably a little bit intoxicated when he started praising Prospero it is still odd that he would, in a matter of minutes, want him to rule the island.
ReplyDeleteThis choice really shows the hate he has for Prospero. He would do anything for a new master and his consumption of alcohol only helps him show this emotion. Also, it shows that Caliban isn't the sharpest tool in the shed. He only wants a new master, and never once thinks that he could potentially be the master to himself.
1. I don’t think it’s surprising to see Caliban so willingly worship Stephano and let him assume control of the island. Caliban has always been unloved and treated without kindness. Therefore when someone willingly helps him it means more to him than any other character in this book. He will dramatize one small gesture of kindness, unknown to him before, even to the point of worship or claims to “his” island.
ReplyDelete2. This event shows a few things about Caliban. First it shows how desperate he is for approval. This can lead to traits like gullibility, low self-esteem, and a character that is easy to take advantage of. I can only assume being easily taken advantage of will predictably become a large part of Caliban later in the book. What I find interesting is that until now he has been portrayed as a strong, anger-filled man, however, he is really the opposite. His not-so-intelligent persona and desperations for others approval and love is very apparent by his fast closeness with a man who did only one kind thing for him. This scene also shows his hatred and want for revenge on Prospero, which will be extremely bad for Prospero in the long run.
I do not find it surprising at all that Caliban worships Stephano right away. There are a couple reasons for this. Stephano came out of nowhere and was nice to him and helped him out, and by 'helping him out,' I mean that he gave him some wine, which leads right into the other reason. Caliban was drunk and not thinking straight. Also, Stephano started treating Caliban as an equal right away, rather than Prospero, who has had Calibam as his slave for the years that he has been on the island. It is pretty obvious that Prospero and Caliban hate each other, so from this, we can say that Caliban would much rather have someone like Stephano ruling the island than Prospero.
ReplyDeleteThis shows us that Caliban will do anything possible to overthrow the man he hates, Prospero, and that he is a pretty easy person to take advantage of. All you need to do to Caliban is get him a little drunk, and he'll literally be kissing your feet and proclaiming you as his master. This makes Caliban a vulnerable character, and it will be interesting to continue to see what happens to him later in the play.
I am not surprised that Caliban would rather have Stephano as his master instead of Prospero for two main reasons. First, Caliban has been a servant for Prospero for quite some time now and Caliban is not only getting sick of it but is getting frightened of spirits from Prospero that are frequently visiting him, as Caliban states in act two scene two. Secondly, when he meets Stephano, he gives Caliban wonderful wine, which by itself is a wonderful gesture. However, Caliban drinks too much and becomes drunk; he turns into a person who is nice and loving. His affections toward Stephano grow as he becomes intoxicated, which is why I think Caliban is so enthusiastic toward being a servant of Stephano.
ReplyDeleteBefore this scene we haven’t really seen much of Caliban so far in the book. Although before Caliban showed a strong disliking of Prospero by calling him names and talking about how filthy Prospero is, Caliban shows another feeling he has toward Prospero, which is fear. Caliban is afraid of Prospero’s many forms of spirits that apparently wants to torture him. And another aspect of Caliban this scene showed was that Caliban is a great fan of alcoholic beverages.
1. I don’t find Caliban’s worship surprising. Stephano is the first person to treat him with any kindness besides his mother, and he has shared his wine with him, a very symbolic act. I think that the fact that Caliban is drunk does not affect his actions; the shock of kindness is more than enough to make him generous. Caliban identifies himself as a servant, and doesn’t yet consider being free but does know that he can find a master that is not so abusive. I also think that Caliban likes that he can now choose his master. It seems that Prospero forced him into servitude, and just the fact that he can choose to serve Stephano might make Caliban feel more powerful.
ReplyDelete2. I think it shows how much Caliban hates Prospero. His willingness to follow a stranger as a master shows how he regards Prospero. It shows his resilience against the abuse Prospero has given him, although he still thinks of himself as a servant.
-de Mehr Haywood
1. No it doesn't surprise me that caliban was so willing to worship Stephano, it seem like caliban has never drank wine before so it might of cloud his judgement, but the fact that someone shared something with him as simple as a few sips of wine he was shown some care by somebody also played a role into him overly worshipping Stephano.
ReplyDelete2. It shows that caliban's has a weakness for kindness, that he will serve a complete stranger just because he showed caliban a little kindness. It also displays the want/need caliban has to show someone he is not useless.
-Phillip E. Parker Jr.
It is not surprising at all that Caliban would willingly worship Stephano and give him control of the Island because caliban is not used to this kindness Stephano is showing towards him. Another part of why Caliban is worshiping Stephano is because Caliban is practically drunk from the wine he was given. He obviously has never tasted anything as great as this before so he thinks Stephano is a God sent with liquor so therefore he will give him the power to the island because he's not in his right mind.
ReplyDeleteThis shows that Caliban is tired of his master Prospero and does want a new master. I think he consistently thinks of himself as being a servant since he has been a servant for quite some time now and has not been shown the respect or kindness from Prospero as much as Stephano has shown this in a little amount of time.
~Ozelle JB.
I did not find it surprising that Caliban looked towards Stephano as a "God". Caliban was in a bitter state as he resentfully gathered wood for Prospero when suddenly Stephano waltzes over and aides him with wine. Caliban easily accepts Stephano, because he is not used to being treated as an equal. He likes Stephano even more when in a drunken state Caliban asks him in awe if Stephano came from heaven and he replies that his is the man and the moon; Caliban connects this with his mother who showed him the man in the moon ( the man in the moon is like a shadow on the real moon that looks like a man) and I think he took Stephano as a sign from his mother.
ReplyDeleteI believe this shows Caliban as just a resentful and weary slave of his master. I find myself pitying him for his without doubt trusting Stephano as his new master only due to finally getting an act of kindness. It also shows that like an slave, Caliban wanted to escape to better conditions while also escaping Prospero's spirits that he mentions more then once that he fears them.