How is Caliban presented in The Tempest by William Shakespeare? This essay will uncover Shakespeare's portrayal of Caliban as that of a wild beast and slave to the witch Prospero. Caliban is the son of Sycorax, an evil witch who once ruled the island that is now ruled by Prospero. After his mother's death, Caliban becomes one of Prospero's servants. Prospero sees Caliban as an inferior being due to his ownership of the island, much like the European powers that dominated African countries and their inhabitants in the 1800s. In this sense, Caliban represents the native Africans who were forcibly controlled by Westerners. Shakespeare's portrayal of Caliban is a case of racial injustice and European domination in the 1800s. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayRelationship with Prospero: The relationship between Prospero and Caliban appears to be ironic. At first, Caliban and Prospero seem to have a good relationship, as it was Caliban who found Prospero and Miranda who had been washed out to sea and showed them the island. In return, Prospero and Miranda taught Caliban to speak their language. Caliban, owned by the ferocious and evil witch, Sycorax, was freed by Prospero from Sycorax's spell. Prospero then took supreme control of the island and then enslaved Caliban and made him carry wood. This is a representation of the indigenous natives who could not escape the harsh brutality of their colonial masters. Often in the play we hear Caliban make comments against Prospero's exploitation of the island and curse her for enslaving him and taking his island away from him. Caliban's Revenge: Caliban seeks revenge when he meets two men named Trinculo and Stefano. Trinculo was a clown and Stefan an alcoholic butler of the king. Caliban takes these two men for gods and vows to serve them if they will help him kill the evil Prospero who has taken control of his island. Caliban's plot doesn't go as planned. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Caliban can be considered the embodiment of slavery on the island over which Prospero now rules. Caliban has been enslaved by Prospero as he says, “We will visit Caliban, my slave: he lights our fire, fetches our wood, and performs services in the offices that profit us.” Again: "It is that Caliban, whom I now keep in service." Caliban represents slavery and the revolt against slavery in all its forms. Prospero may once have liked Caliban and treated him well, but ultimately, Caliban is his slave and Prospero herself makes no secret of calling him her slave without feeling embarrassed. The relationship between Caliban and Prospero is that of a slave and a slave owner. Caliban's reluctance to follow Prospero's orders shows a slave rebelling against authority. Caliban, therefore, represents the oppressed and indigenous slaves in an unequal world.