The Tempest
Read the following extract from Act 3 Scene 2 of The Tempest and then answer the
question that follows.
At this point in the play, Caliban is telling Stephano and Trinculo about his plan to murder
Prospero.
CALIBAN
Why, as I told thee, ’tis a custom with him
I’th’afternoon to sleep. There thou mayst brain him,
Having first seized his books; or with a log
Batter his skull, or paunch him with a stake,
Or cut his wezand with thy knife. Remember
First to possess his books; for without them
He’s but a sot, as I am, nor hath not
One spirit to command – they all do hate him
As rootedly as I. Burn but his books;
He has brave ùtensils – for so he calls them –
Which when he has a house, he’ll deck withal.
And that most deeply to consider, is
The beauty of his daughter. He himself
Calls her a nonpareil. I never saw a woman
But only Sycorax my dam, and she;
But she as far surpasseth Sycorax
As great’st does least.

Starting with this speech, explore how Shakespeare presents ideas about revenge in The Tempest.
Write about:

• how Shakespeare presents ideas about revenge in this speech
• how Shakespeare presents ideas about revenge in the play as a whole.

In this extract from Act 3 Scene 2 of The Tempest, Shakespeare presents Caliban’s plan for revenge against Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan who is now the ruler of the island. Caliban, who is a native of the island and has been enslaved by Prospero, reveals his desire to murder Prospero and outlines his plan to Stephano and Trinculo, two drunken sailors who have washed ashore. Shakespeare portrays Caliban’s thirst for revenge through his violent and vengeful language, as well as his belief that revenge will bring him power and freedom.

Caliban’s speech is filled with imagery of brutality and destruction as he describes the various ways in which he plans to harm Prospero. He suggests “brain[ing] him” or “batter[ing] his skull” with a log, “paunch[ing] him with a stake,” or “cut[ting] his wezand with [a] knife.”