How does Shakespeare develop Caliban's character? (Act 1, scene 2). Comment on the use of; 1) language, 2) relationships with other characters and 3) the plot. .
Caliban is the son of the witch Sycroax who was banished to the island because she was evil and detested. After the death of his mother, Caliban was left alone on the island. Being the only inhabitant on the isle he claimed it as his own and he saw himself as king of the isle. Caliban feels betrayed and tricked, because on Prospero's arrival, he showed him the beauty of the island, how to talk to the various creatures and the fertile from the barren land, and in return Prospero physically enslaved him in a cave. Caliban shows hatred towards Prospero because he took his precious island from him and his freedom.
However, prospero didn't enslave Caliban to be spiteful but rather because Caliban betrayed Prospero's trust by attempting to rape his daughter, Miranda. Caliban is like an animal he just snatches at what he wants before thinking of the consequences of his actions. It's clear that Caliban does not show remorse from the attempted rape but he only regrets that it was stopped. This is seen in Act1, scene 2- " wouldn't had been done I had peopled else this isle with Calibans.". This shows his arrogance and disrespect towards Prospero. .
Caliban is a monster that strays into crime because he doesn't know better, because no one taught him better. Even though Miranda, who was well nurtured and educated by Prospero, tries to teach him, education rolls right off of him because he is a beast. He is also ungrateful to Miranda for teaching him to speak, this is seen in Act1, scene 2 -"you taught me language, and my profit on't is, I know how to curse.", meaning u taught me how to speak and now I know how to curse you in your own language.
Caliban is insulting towards Prospero. His rudeness is shown in the manner in which he speaks to Prospero, they way in which he laughs in his face at his commands and tasks that sets out for him.