Contai Public School

English literature
Class- xii

DRAMA (THE TEMPEST)

ACT III (Scene 2)

a) What is the relationship of Prospero with Caliban ? What is Caliban’s

wicked plan to murder Prospero and in what way the plan is foiled? [15]
Caliban is a son of a witch by the name of Sycorax who had been
expelled from her country on a charge of practising black magic. He is
savage and brutal. He recognizes no moral law. He is keenly aware of the
wrong he does to others but he is even more keenly aware of the wrong
which he thinks others to do to him. His relationship with Prospero
reveals the most odious side of the important commands. He depends
on Caliban to perform the menial tasks. Caliban is Prospero’s hated
slave. Caliban’s main task in Prospero’s service is to bring fuel – wood
from the forest and to light the fire, though he is sometimes called upon
to do other tasks as well. Prospero feels bitter towards Caliban because
Caliban performs these tasks most unwillingly. In fact, Caliban performs
these tasks only because of his fear of the punishments to which he is
subjected when he tries to avoid doing the work assigned to him.
Prospero’s spirits torment Caliban in various ways whenever Caliban
carries out Prospero’s orders unwillingly or does not carry them out at
all. Prospero had extended to Caliban the benefits of civilization, and
had even taught him his own language at a time when Caliban spoke
only incoherently.
All these three persons Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo are now drunk.
Stephano is so wine – crazy that he will not drink a single drop of water
till any wine is left in the cask. When Trinculo mocks at Caliban, Caliban
appeals to Stephano for protection. Caliban is extremely humble and
respectful towards Stephano but defiant and scornful towards Trinculo.
Ariel appearing there invisibly, creates a good deal of misunderstanding,
Stephano gives a beating to Trinculo. Caliban now thinks that he has got
a good opportunity for taking a revenge upon Prospero. He instigates
Stephano to murder Prospero and thus become the lord of the island.
Stephano feels greatly tempted by the possibility of becoming the lord of
the island. He complains that Prospero has usurped the island which
formerly belonged to him. Stephano feels greatly tempted by the
possibility of becoming the lord of island. Caliban tells him that Prospero
is in the habit of sleeping in the afternoon. The afternoon would,
therefore, be the best time to murder Prospero, when he sleeps,
Stephano can break his head after first taking possession of his books of
magic. Without his magic books, Prospero is powerless. Without his
magical books Prospero would have no supernatural powers. With a log
Stephano can crush his skull or he can pierce his belly with a sharp stick,
or cut his throat with his knife. One precaution should be taken which is
to burn Prospero’s magical books, some fine tools and implements. He
further tempts Stephano by telling him that Prospero has an extremely
beautiful daughter. Stephano promises to kill Prospero in order to marry
his daughter and become the lord of the island. He promises also to
appoint Caliban and Trinculo as his viceroys. Ariel has, however,
overheard the whole scheme and will duly convey it to his master,
Prospero. In the meantime, Ariel plays a musical tune which the three
drunkards cannot resist and which they follow. Ariel leads them
through thorny shrubs and bushes into a filthy pool water where he
leaves them.
Prospero, on being informed by Ariel about what happened, appreciates
Ariel's action. He now orders Ariel to hang some showy garments on a
lime – tree to divert the attention of the conspirators. The conspirators
arrive with the intention of murdering Prospero. Stephano and Trinculo
are feeling very unhappy over the loss of their wine – bottles which they
dropped in the pond. Caliban again and again reminds them of the
project they have to execute. Just at that time Trinculo catches sight of
the splendid wardrobe hanging on the tree. He draws Stephano's
attention to it. They are both fascinated by this splendid display. They
get busy in grabbing as many garments as they can lay their hands upon.
Caliban repeatedly urges them not to waste their time. He wants them
to go ahead with the plot to murder Prospero, but Stephano and
Trinculo pay little heed to the appeals of Caliban. At this stage, a
number of Spirits appear in the shapes of dogs and hounds. Under the
direction of Prospero these dogs and hounds chase away the
conspirators who take to their heels in a state of confusion. Prospero
gives an order to his spirits to torment the conspirators in every possible
way. This is how Caliban ‘s conspiracy is defeated by Prospero.