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Monologue Project
This speech takes place in Act 3 Scene 2 in The Tempest
01
Original Text
Ha, ha, ha!
Beat him enough. After a little time
I'll beat him too.
Why, as I told thee, 'tis a custom with him
I' th' afternoon to sleep. There thou mayst brain him,
Having first seized his book, or with a log
Batter his skull, or paunch him with a stake,
Or cut his weasand with thy knife. Remember
First to possess his books, for without them
He's but a sot, as I am, nor hath not
One spirit to command. They all do hate him
As rootely as I. Burn but his books.
He has brave utensils---for so he calls them---
Which, when he has a house, he'll deck withal.
And that most deeply to consider is
The beauty of his daughter. He himself
Calls her a nonpareil. I never saw a woman
But only Sycorax my dam and she;
But she as far surpasseth Sycorax
As great'st does least.
02
Introduction
This speech by Caliban takes place in Act 3, Scene 2 of Shakespeare’s The Tempest.
Caliban is the son of the witch Sycorax, a resident of the island. When Prospero and his daughter Miranda first arrived at the island, Caliban and Prospero developed friendly relations: Caliban showed Prospero around the island; Prospero taught Caliban his language. However, Prospero still viewed Caliban as a savage and enslaved him. He also saved the spirit Ariel from Sycorax’s curse, and then Ariel became his servant. Prospero then became the new ruler. In response to Caliban’s attempted rape of Miranda, Prospero punished him harshly and mocked him. In this speech, Caliban proposes an effective and detailed scheme to murder Prospero to Stephano and Trinculo, which shows his resentment towards Prospero.
03
Literacy Analysis
Shakespeare uses poetic language in this speech to manifest Caliban’s resentment towards Prospero, which Caliban expresses through a detailed murder plan. The repetition of “ha” at the beginning sets the prevailing tone of the speech: Caliban has confidence in his scheme and sees hope for regaining his freedom. The use of “beat” twice also emphasizes Caliban’s strong resentment. Then, Shakespeare cleverly uses multiple images to depict Caliban’s vivid scheme: Caliban imagines that they will “punch [Prospero] with a stake” or “cut his weasand with thy knife.” Those examples highlight Caliban’s resentment and ruthlessness toward Prospero, who has enslaved and punished Caliban. The imperative sentences in the speech like “burn out his books “and “beat him enough” also indicate to Caliban’s leadership position in the conspiracy trio. Besides, the mentions of “[seizing] his books first” and [considering] the beauty of his daughter” illustrate that the construction of the scheme was carefully thought out. Lastly, the exaggerated comparison between Sycorax and Miranda emphasizes Caliban’s lustful personality. Although he has only met two women, he concludes that Miranda’s beauty far “surpasseth” Sycorax’s. This comparison manifests that Caliban has no remorse for attempting to rape Miranda and reveals his lustful nature.