The Tempest

Drama | William Shakespeare
Back to Hub
Contents

How does Caliban utilize the languages taught by Prospero?

Premium

How does Caliban utilize the languages taught by Prospero? (2021)

In “The Tempest” (1623), William Shakespeare (1564–1616) shows Caliban as the wild native of the island. Prospero teaches him language to make him civil. But Caliban uses that language to curse, express anger, and reveal his pain and truth.

Prospero Teaches Caliban to Speak: Prospero and Miranda first came to the island. Prospero wanted to educate Caliban. He taught him words and speech. Prospero proudly says,

“I pitied thee, 

took pains to make thee speak.”

This shows his kindness. Prospero hoped language would make Caliban wise and gentle. But Caliban learned words, not good manners. Instead of becoming polite, he became more aware of his suffering.

Caliban Uses Language to Curse Prospero: Caliban feels that Prospero has stolen his mother Sycorax’s island. So, he uses the very language he learned to curse him. He says,

“You taught me language; and my profit on’t

<
p style="text-align: center;">Is, I know how to curse.”

This is one of Caliban’s most famous lines. It shows his bitterness and rebellion. For him, language is not a gift but a weapon. He uses words to show his anger and pain.

Language Becomes His Voice of Truth: Though Caliban misuses words for curses, he also speaks beautiful and poetic lines about nature and dreams. He says,

“The isle is full of noises,

Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight, and hurt not.”

Here, Caliban shows his deep feeling for the island. His language becomes a tool to express his soul. He may be rough, but his words are full of truth and beauty.

Thus, Caliban uses the language taught by Prospero to express anger, pain, and emotion. He turns learning into rebellion. Yet, his words also reveal his poetic heart. Language gives him a voice to speak against power and to express his own world.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to access the full content

Upgrade to Premium
From this writer
W
William Shakespeare
Literary Writer
More Topics