A Parallel between Shakespeare's Character and British Imperialism".
In Shakespeare's The Tempest, the role of Caliban is a monster that is controlled by Prospero who later plots a revolt against him. Through the character of Caliban, Shakespeare addresses the acts of British Imperialism in Africa. Throughout the play we see Prospero overpower Caliban with his orders and magic. Caliban is constantly put into an inferior position. One of the key tools to Caliban's inferior stature is his ability to understand the language of the Europeans" which Prospero had taught him. Prospero uses his magic negatively against Caliban, which forces fear and obedience from Caliban. This magic is similar to the British being much more advanced in weapon technology than the natives in Africa. Caliban curses his master Prospero and finds comfort in being a new slave of Trinculo and Stephano, two Europeans who were shipwrecked due to a tempest and found refuge on the island. The scenes that involve Caliban all have ties to slavery and England's rule in Africa.
Caliban was once a native of the island where he roamed free. He was the son of Sycorax, a witch who ruled the island before Prospero. When Prospero arrived at the island he defeated Sycorax and "saved" the spirit Ariel. Upon saving the spirit, Ariel, he made a deal with him that forced him into slavery until Prospero was ready to release him. Already in the play, before we meet Caliban, we see Prospero enslave a spirit and refuse to free it after loyal service. Caliban's primitive nature arose when he attempted to rape Prospero's daughter, after this Prospero enslaved Caliban. We then meet Caliban who as Prospero calls, " my slave, who never yields us a kind word" (Act 1.2, lns 307-308). In this scene where Prospero and his daughter converse with the monster, we see Prospero enjoy having possession over other creatures. He uses Caliban to collect firewood and do other tasks throughout the island.