Prospero as the most intellectual character misuses his knowledge to control others. This addresses the importance of education as a defense against unjust control. A second use of knowledge is to promote learning and individual development. Prospero and Miranda teach their slave Caliban to speak so he can be "civilized". Ironically, Caliban is extremely knowledgeable in nature and interpreting the island sounds. He already speaks his own language and does not desire to be like other "civilized" men. "The isle is full of noises, sounds, and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not." Caliban has a freedom in his island way of life. He views Prospero's teaching as enslaving.
When Shakespeare first introduces the reader to Prospero one learns that it is because he studied too much that his stepbrother took control of his kingdom. Thus too much knowledge leads to foolishness. Yet knowledge can also lead to power, control, and ultimately imprisonment- both to the master and to the slave. When Caliban plans a revolt against Prospero he advises Stephano and Trinculo to capture Prospero's book. "First, to possess his books for without them he's but a sot, as I am." Caliban emphasizes that knowledge is a tool that legitimizes authority. Without it Prospero is just as ordinary as anyone else. In Act IV, Shakespeare seems to argue that there must be a balance between knowledge, as shown through Prospero, and nature, as reflected by Caliban. It is when Prospero is humble, submissive, and down to earth that readers begin to appreciate the depth of his emotion. Before Act IV Prospero is difficult to relate to. Yet in this act, he balances his knowled!.
ge with his nature and the outcome is what makes Prospero a complex and round character. As readers we accept him for his lack of control knowing that humans are not always in control. There is an element of supernaturalism present in the human life.
