Master and Slave in The Tempest

A detailed Summary of Master and Slave in The Tempest


The relationship between master and slave is embraced by Shakespeare in his play The Tempest. Conflicts and complexities of authority are portrayed by the characters Prospero and Caliban. As one gains power, the other loses it. In the play, Prospero rises to power, while Caliban loses it. The legitimacy of Prospero's authority over Caliban is, however, questionable. What gives Prospero the power over Caliban? What are the reasons that Caliban should obey his masters' orders? These questions can be answered through investigating the possession of the island, the justice of punishing Caliban, and Prospero's right to use or abuse his power.

One of the reasons for Caliban's defiance towards Prospero is the fact that he believes the island that they are on to be his, but to have been stolen by Prospero. "This island's mine by Sycorax my mother, / Which thou tak'st from me" (1.2.331). Caliban feels as though he has been taken advantage of. When Prospero first comes to the island, he is kind to Caliban, and in return, Caliban shows him the secrets of the island.

Thou strok'st me and made much of me; wouldst give me

Water with berries in't, and teach me how


Side-stitches that shall pen thy breath up. Urchins

"For this be sure tonight thou shalt have cramps,

Shall, for that vast of night that they may work,



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Approximate Word count = 1122
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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