Caliban as a Sympathetic Character Essay

In the play The Tempest, Shakespeare introduces us to several different characters, each identified individually with their contrasting attitudes, nature and precedent circumstances that have brought them to a deserted isle in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. Shakespeare creates characters that exemplify the relationship between human nature and contemporary nicety and the distinction between men and monsters.The character of Caliban is known to its complexity and numerous aspects, depths and sides to it. Caliban, the only native of the island is a vulgar, malice slave that is often referred to a beast. He is the son of the witch Sycorax and his Father is unknown, hence associated with the devil and he was said to be littered on the island, a word generally used to call the birth of animals. Shakespeare describes Caliban as a pure product of nature, of whom he is uncontrolled, wild, savage, innocent and uncorrupted by the influence of civilization. He is uneducated, untrained a nd uncivilized, a creature of the earth, universe almost literally dug out of the ground.Caliban used to own the island, however, was nave enough to allow a foreigner (Prospero) to enter his most valued stemma and abduct it from him. Caliban and Prospero appear to have had an affectionate relationship, through Prospero educating him and offering him a shelter in his own cave, an intimate favor demonstrating compassion and abundant liberality as well as Caliban showing him all the parts of the island. Caliban takes Prosperos affection for granted and underestimates Prosperos power and magic, accordingly acts in an aggressive trend in an attempt to rape Miranda.This causes the reader to be repulsed by his disgusting behavior, almost sensing animosity that Caliban does not display the minimal appreciation of Prosperos considerable kindness. At this point, the reader can easily understand why Prospero treats him so poorly, and almost feel as if he deserves to be treated in such way, that he was not accounted and aware of the consequences that accompany such action and therefore had brought his situation upon himself. Consequently, the question remains, if Caliban had controlled his impulses, and held back his barbarous instincts, would hereally had imbed himself in a better- off situation, or is being mistreated a part of his nature and fate?