The Tempest

Throughout the course of this semester, our class took a few quizzes on the readings assigned.  One particular quiz suggested that we analyze the representation of cultural exchange and conflict within the novel The Tempest.  We had to choose examples throughout the play’s narrative to best explain our thoughts; my choice of an example was the relationship between Caliban and Prospero.

            In Act 1, Scene 2 when Caliban is introduced, the hatred is clearly present between Prospero and Caliban.  For example, when Prospero calls for Caliban to come out of his cave, she uses a very interesting choice of words.  She says, “tho poisonous slave, got by the devil himself upon thy wicked dam, come forth!”  However, it almost seems like it is a love/hate relationship in Caliban’s point of view.  At one point, Caliban seemed to have thought there was some affection in his relationship with Prospero.  Nonetheless, after Caliban tried to rape Prospero’s daughter Miranda, Prospero hated Caliban even more. 

The conflict between the two of them is portrayed strongly based off of hatred and dislike throughout the text.  Caliban is treated more as a slave by Prospero than as an equal.  I believe that the relationship between Caliban and Prospero can easily relate to a lot of relationships today.  I know for a fact it can relate to my life in some aspects; it reminds me of my parents.  They have the type of love/hate relationship where no one really understands it.  That is what I kind of got out of Prospero and Caliban’s relationship; no one truly understands it, but it is what it is.