STEPHANO, to Trinculo: “Tell not me. When the butt is out, we will drink water; not a drop before. Therefore bear up and board ’em.—Servant monster, drink to me.”

• Modern Translation: Don’t tell me what to do. We’ll only drink water when we’ve finished all the wine—not a moment before. So, cheer up and let’s go after them. (To Caliban) Monster servant, drink with me!
• Explanation: Stephano refuses to drink water as long as there’s wine left (from a wine barrel or butt). He invites Caliban to drink again, showing his indulgence and lack of discipline.
• Literary Devices:
  • Prose instead of verse: This signals the comic and lower-class nature of the characters.
  • Irony: They’re shipwrecked and yet acting like they’re partying.
• Themes:
  • Colonialism: Stephano uses Caliban and commands him as a servant, reflecting the colonizer-servant dynamic.
  • Addiction / Indulgence: The overuse of alcohol symbolizes moral and social decay.

---

TRINCULO: “Servant monster? The folly of this island! They say there’s but five upon this isle; we are three of them. If th’ other two be brained like us, the state totters.”

• Modern Translation: “Servant monster”? What nonsense this island brings! They say only five people are on the island. If the other two are as foolish as us, this island is in big trouble.
• Explanation: Trinculo mocks the ridiculous situation—calling Caliban a “servant monster” highlights how absurd their group is.
• Literary Devices:
  • Satire: Trinculo ridicules the idea of them forming a government or social structure.
  • Personification: “The state totters” makes the “state” seem like a living thing about to fall.
• Themes:
  • Power and Governance: Shakespeare is making fun of how power is often in the hands of fools.
  • Madness of Colonizers: Trinculo’s remark shows that even the invaders are unstable.

---

STEPHANO: “Drink, servant monster, when I bid thee. Thy eyes are almost set in thy head.”

• Modern Translation: Drink when I tell you to, servant monster. Your eyes are rolling back into your head.
• Explanation: Stephano orders Caliban to drink more, noticing that he’s already drunk.
• Language Devices:
  • Commanding tone: Shows dominance and hierarchy.
  • Imagery: The eyes rolling back paints a comic yet disturbing picture of intoxication.
• Themes:
  • Exploitation: Caliban is being used for entertainment and submission.
  • Abuse of power: Stephano abuses his influence and encourages self-destruction.

---

Caliban drinks.

• Interpretation: Caliban complies without resistance, showing how easily he is manipulated.
• Themes:
  • Colonial subjugation: Caliban’s willingness reflects his internalized inferiority and desire for acceptance.

---

TRINCULO: “Where should they be set else? He were a brave monster indeed if they were set in his tail.”

• Modern Translation: Where else should his eyes be? He’d be a real monster if his eyes were in his tail!
• Explanation: Trinculo makes a sarcastic joke at Caliban’s expense.
• Language Devices:
  • Sarcasm / Humor: The line mocks Caliban’s physical form.
  • Bestial Imagery: Trinculo constantly dehumanizes Caliban.
• Themes:
  • Mockery and Racism: Trinculo reduces Caliban to a grotesque form, highlighting dehumanization of natives.

---

STEPHANO: “My man-monster hath drowned his tongue in sack. For my part, the sea cannot drown me. I swam, ere I could recover the shore, five-and-thirty leagues off and on, by this light.—Thou shalt be my lieutenant, monster, or my standard.”

• Modern Translation: My monster-servant has drowned his tongue in wine. As for me, the sea couldn’t drown me—I swam 35 leagues before I reached shore, I swear it! (To Caliban) You’ll be my lieutenant or at least my flag-bearer!
• Explanation: Stephano brags about surviving the shipwreck, exaggerating his story. He “promotes” Caliban in his imaginary army.
• Language Devices:
  • Hyperbole: “Five-and-thirty leagues” (about 100 miles) is an exaggeration for comic effect.
  • Irony: Stephano is drunk and delusional, trying to mimic nobility.
• Themes:
  • Illusion vs. Reality: Stephano imagines himself as a leader, ignoring the truth of their situation.
  • Power Fantasy: Colonizers often give themselves self-importance, even in absurd conditions.

---

TRINCULO: “Your lieutenant, if you list. He’s no standard.”

• Modern Translation: Sure, he can be your lieutenant if you want, but he’d never make a proper standard (flag).
• Explanation: Trinculo continues to mock Caliban, making fun of his unsuitability for any role.
• Language Devices:
  • Pun / Wordplay: “Standard” can mean a flag or someone of good quality—Caliban is neither.
• Themes:
  • Ridicule and Jealousy: Trinculo mocks Caliban but may be jealous of Stephano’s affection for him.

---

STEPHANO: “We’ll not run, Monsieur Monster.”

• Modern Translation: We won’t run away, Mr. Monster.
• Explanation: Stephano speaks with mock bravery, calling Caliban “Monsieur” (a French title) to mockingly elevate him.
• Language Devices:
  • Irony: The idea that these bumbling fools are brave is comically false.
  • Mock elevation: Using “Monsieur” satirizes false titles.
• Themes:
  • False Bravado: Shows how some characters pretend to be more than they are.

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TRINCULO: “Nor go neither. But you’ll lie like dogs, and yet say nothing neither.”

• Modern Translation: You won’t go anywhere either. You’ll just lie around like dogs and won’t say anything.
• Explanation: Trinculo snaps back with a pun, saying they are useless and silent, like lazy dogs.
• Language Devices:
  • Simile: “Lie like dogs” compares their laziness to animals.
  • Wordplay: “Lie” can mean to rest or to tell falsehoods.
• Themes:
  • Animal imagery: Continues the theme of dehumanization and foolishness.

---

STEPHANO: “Mooncalf, speak once in thy life, if thou be’st a good mooncalf.”

• Modern Translation: Mooncalf, say something for once in your life, if you’re any good!
• Explanation: Stephano calls Caliban a “mooncalf” (a deformed creature), reinforcing his low status, yet expects him to speak up.
• Language Devices:
  • Name-calling: “Mooncalf” is insulting and highlights the cruelty of the drunkards.
• Themes:
  • Abuse and Objectification: Even when Caliban is spoken to, it’s with disdain.

---

CALIBAN: “How does thy Honor? Let me lick thy shoe. I’ll not serve him; he is not valiant.”

• Modern Translation: How are you, noble sir? Let me lick your shoe. I won’t serve Trinculo; he’s a coward.
• Explanation: Caliban flatters Stephano and shows loyalty by offering to literally lick his shoe. He sees Trinculo as weak and unworthy.
• Language Devices:
  • Hyperbole / Groveling: “Lick thy shoe” is a symbol of extreme submission.
• Themes:
  • Desperation for Freedom: Caliban hopes Stephano will help him overthrow Prospero.
  • Servitude: Shows how colonial subjects often try to please new masters in hopes of better treatment.

---

TRINCULO: “Thou liest, most ignorant monster. I am in case to justle a constable. Why, thou debauched fish, thou! Was there ever man a coward that hath drunk so much sack as I today? Wilt thou tell a monstrous lie, being but half a fish and half a monster?”

• Modern Translation: You lie, you stupid monster. I could wrestle a policeman right now. You drunk fish! Has any coward ever drunk as much wine as I have today? You dare lie when you’re not even fully human?
• Explanation: Trinculo is offended and responds aggressively, insisting he’s brave. He continues to mock Caliban’s form and drinking habits.
• Language Devices:
  • Alliteration: “Debauched fish” has a rhythmic insult.
  • Dehumanization: Calls him “half fish, half monster,” erasing his humanity.
• Themes:
  • Alcohol and Delusion: Trinculo’s sense of courage comes from drink, not reality.
  • Violence and Hierarchy: Even among the colonizers, there’s competition for dominance.

CALIBAN: “Lo, how he mocks me! Wilt thou let him, my lord?”

Meaning: “Look, he’s making fun of me! Will you let him do that, my lord?”

• Expanded: Caliban complains to Stephano that Trinculo is mocking him again and seeks protection.
• Theme: Power and Servitude – Caliban is shifting his allegiance from Prospero to Stephano.
• Language device: Appeal to authority – Caliban uses “my lord” to flatter Stephano and reinforce Stephano’s status.

---

TRINCULO: “‘Lord,’ quoth he? That a monster should be such a natural!”

Meaning: “Did he just call him ‘lord’? This monster acts just like a fool!”

• Expanded: Trinculo mocks both Caliban for being so naive and Stephano for being taken in.
• Theme: Mockery, Class – Trinculo can’t believe how seriously Caliban is taking this ‘royal’ game.
• Language device: Irony – Trinculo finds the idea of Caliban acting respectfully absurd, though he himself is acting foolishly.

---

CALIBAN: “Lo, lo again! Bite him to death, I prithee.”

Meaning: “Look again! Please bite him to death.”

• Expanded: Caliban urges Stephano (or perhaps some imagined ally) to attack Trinculo physically.
• Theme: Violence and Rebellion – Caliban is easily angered and turns to violence quickly.
• Language device: Hyperbole – “Bite him to death” is an exaggerated wish, showing Caliban’s wildness.

---

STEPHANO: “Trinculo, keep a good tongue in your head. If you prove a mutineer, the next tree.”

Meaning: “Trinculo, watch your mouth. If you rebel, I’ll hang you on the next tree.”

• Expanded: Stephano warns Trinculo to behave or face punishment. He’s pretending to be a ruler with power.
• Theme: Power and Leadership – Stephano mimics the language of authority and law.
• Language device: Metaphor – “the next tree” refers to hanging as punishment, implying execution.

---

“The poor monster’s my subject, and he shall not suffer indignity.”

Meaning: “This poor monster is my follower, and I won’t let him be insulted.”

• Expanded: Stephano claims he’ll protect Caliban as a good ruler would protect his people.
• Theme: Colonialism, Hierarchy – Echoes the way colonizers claimed ownership over native people.
• Language device: Dramatic irony – The audience knows Stephano is no real king, though he acts like one.

---

CALIBAN: “I thank my noble lord. Wilt thou be pleased to harken once again to the suit I made to thee?”

Meaning: “Thank you, my noble lord. Will you please listen again to the request I made?”

• Expanded: Caliban shows false gratitude to Stephano and asks him to hear his plan again – to kill Prospero.
• Theme: Manipulation, Rebellion – Caliban flatters Stephano to get what he wants.
• Language device: Formality – The polite tone mimics the courtly behavior of real servants, again mocking social hierarchy.

---

STEPHANO: “Marry, will I. Kneel and repeat it. I will stand, and so shall Trinculo.”

Meaning: “Of course I will. Kneel and say it again. I’ll stand, and so will Trinculo.”

• Expanded: Stephano demands that Caliban kneel, reinforcing his self-imposed superiority.
• Theme: Authority, Delusion – Stephano enjoys pretending to be a king with servants.
• Language device: Stage direction implied – Physical postures reinforce the new power structure in this mock kingdom.

---

Enter Ariel, invisible.

• Analysis: Ariel’s invisibility lets him manipulate the scene without being seen. He causes mischief while spying for Prospero.
• Theme: Supernatural, Control – Ariel represents Prospero’s invisible power.

---

CALIBAN (kneeling): “As I told thee before, I am subject to a tyrant, a sorcerer, that by his cunning hath cheated me of the island.”

Meaning: “As I told you, I serve a cruel master, a magician who tricked me and took the island from me.”

• Expanded: Caliban is trying to convince Stephano that Prospero is evil and that killing him would be just.
• Theme: Colonization, Injustice – Caliban sees himself as the island’s rightful owner.
• Language device: Loaded language – “tyrant” and “cheated” show his hatred for Prospero.

---

ARIEL (in Trinculo’s voice): “Thou liest.”

Meaning: “You’re lying.”

• Expanded: Ariel mimics Trinculo’s voice to stir conflict and confuse the group.
• Theme: Trickery, Chaos – Ariel uses mischief to protect Prospero’s position.
• Language device: Ventriloquism/Voice manipulation – A clever use of the supernatural.

---

CALIBAN (to Trinculo): “Thou liest, thou jesting monkey, thou. He stands. I would my valiant master would destroy thee. I do not lie.”

Meaning: “You’re the liar, you silly clown. I wish my brave master would kill you. I’m not lying.”

• Expanded: Caliban thinks Trinculo is interrupting him again and becomes enraged.
• Theme: Miscommunication – Ariel’s trick deepens the rift between them.
• Language device: Insults – “jesting monkey” is comic and aggressive.

---

STEPHANO: “Trinculo, if you trouble him any more in ’s tale, by this hand, I will supplant some of your teeth.”

Meaning: “If you interrupt him again, Trinculo, I swear I’ll knock your teeth out.”

• Expanded: Stephano threatens Trinculo with violence for disrupting Caliban’s story.
• Theme: Brutality, Authority – Stephano mimics a tyrant himself.
• Language device: Colloquial threat – The phrase “by this hand” adds dramatic emphasis.

---

TRINCULO: “Why, I said nothing.”

Meaning: “But I didn’t say anything.”

• Expanded: Trinculo is confused, not realizing Ariel was pretending to be him.
• Theme: Confusion, Supernatural – Shows Ariel’s plan is working.
• Language device: Comic timing – The straight denial amid chaos is humorous.

---

STEPHANO: “Mum then, and no more.”

Meaning: “Then shut up and say nothing more.”

• Expanded: Stephano silences Trinculo again, asserting dominance.
• Language device: Imperative – Commands show control.

---

CALIBAN: “I say by sorcery he got this isle; From me he got it. If thy Greatness will, Revenge it on him, for I know thou dar’st, But this thing dare not.”

Meaning: “I’m telling you, he stole this island with magic. He took it from me. If you’re truly great, get revenge. I know you have the courage, unlike this coward (Trinculo).”

• Expanded: Caliban appeals to Stephano’s pride and bravery to convince him to kill Prospero.
• Theme: Power Struggle, Revenge – Caliban wants to reclaim what he believes is rightfully his.
• Language device: Contrast – “thou dar’st” vs. “this thing dare not” makes Stephano seem noble by comparison.

---

STEPHANO: “That’s most certain.”

Meaning: “That’s definitely true.”

• Expanded: Stephano agrees, continuing to buy into Caliban’s plan.
• Theme: Gullibility – Stephano is easily manipulated.
• Language device: Short declarative – Shows blind agreement.

---

CALIBAN: “Thou shalt be lord of it, and I’ll serve thee.”

Meaning: “You’ll be king of the island, and I’ll serve you.”

• Expanded: Caliban offers himself as a servant again in exchange for revenge.
• Theme: Desperation, Power – Caliban trades freedom for vengeance.
• Language device: Promise and flattery – Caliban flatters Stephano to manipulate him.

STEPHANO: How now shall this be compassed? Canst thou bring me to the party?

Explanation:
Stephano is asking, “How can we make this happen? Can you take me to him?”
Analysis:

• He’s referring to killing Prospero, whom Caliban wants to overthrow.
• Language Device: Rhetorical question – shows plotting and curiosity.
• Theme: Power and Ambition – Stephano wants to usurp Prospero.

---

CALIBAN: Yea, yea, my lord. I’ll yield him thee asleep, Where thou mayst knock a nail into his head.

Explanation:
Caliban says, “Yes, my lord. I’ll give him to you while he’s asleep, so you can kill him easily.”
Analysis:

• Violent imagery: “knock a nail into his head” implies murder.
• Caliban flatters Stephano by calling him “my lord.”
• Themes: Betrayal, Servitude, and Rebellion – Caliban sees killing Prospero as freedom.

---

ARIEL (in Trinculo’s voice): Thou liest. Thou canst not.

Explanation:
Ariel, invisible, mimics Trinculo’s voice to say “You lie. You can’t do that.”
Analysis:

• Language Device: Dramatic irony – the audience knows Ariel is speaking, not Trinculo.
• Theme: Illusion vs. Reality, Magic – Ariel uses deception to cause chaos.

---

CALIBAN: What a pied ninny’s this!—Thou scurvy patch!—I do beseech thy Greatness, give him blows And take his bottle from him.

Explanation:
Caliban angrily calls Trinculo a fool (pied ninny means motley fool), and asks Stephano to beat him and take his drink.
Analysis:

• Insults show Caliban’s irritation.
• Shows how Caliban values the bottle (liquor) and loyalty to Stephano.
• Language Devices: Colloquial insults; Appeal to power – Caliban flatters Stephano.
• Themes: Loyalty, Deception, and Addiction (to alcohol).

---

When that’s gone, He shall drink naught but brine, for I’ll not show him Where the quick freshes are.

Explanation:
Caliban says, “Once his drink is gone, he’ll only have salty water, because I won’t show him where the fresh water is.”
Analysis:

• Caliban is threatening to withhold basic survival knowledge.
• Reflects power dynamics – even a servant can hold power through knowledge.
• Theme: Colonialism – Caliban knows the land; outsiders depend on him.

---

STEPHANO: Trinculo, run into no further danger. Interrupt the monster one word further, and by this hand, I’ll turn my mercy out o’ doors and make a stockfish of thee.

Explanation:
Stephano warns Trinculo: “If you speak again, I’ll beat you until you’re dried up like a fish.”
Analysis:

• Metaphor: “make a stockfish of thee” = beat him flat.
• Theme: Violence, Power – Stephano tries to assert dominance.
• Language: Comic exaggeration and threat.

---

TRINCULO: Why, what did I? I did nothing. I’ll go farther off.

Explanation:
Trinculo protests innocence and decides to move away.
Analysis:

• Comedic confusion.
• Trinculo is the butt of the joke, made to suffer for Ariel’s trick.
• Theme: Miscommunication, Manipulation.

---

STEPHANO: Didst thou not say he lied?

Explanation:
Stephano asks if Trinculo called Caliban a liar.
Analysis:

• He’s trying to confirm what he thinks he heard.
• Dramatic irony – the audience knows the truth, but characters don’t.

---

ARIEL (in Trinculo’s voice): Thou liest.

Explanation:
Ariel repeats the trick, again pretending it’s Trinculo calling Caliban a liar.
Analysis:

• Repetition increases tension and comedy.
• Theme: Chaos created by Magic.

---

STEPHANO: Do I so? Take thou that. (He beats Trinculo.) As you like this, give me the lie another time.

Explanation:
Stephano says, “So you say I lie? Take this beating!”
Analysis:

• Physical comedy (slapstick) with a darker tone.
• Misunderstanding leads to violence.
• Themes: Power abuse, Foolishness, Alcohol-fueled conflict.

---

TRINCULO: I did not give the lie! Out o’ your wits and hearing too? A pox o’ your bottle! This can sack and drinking do. A murrain on your monster, and the devil take your fingers!

Explanation:
Trinculo shouts, “I didn’t say anything! You’re mad and deaf! Curse your wine, and your monster, and your hands!”
Analysis:

• Curses and frustration – shows how alcohol and confusion have ruined their plan.
• Theme: Madness, Consequences of overindulgence, Disorder.
• Language Device: Use of curses (pox, murrain) for comic effect.

---

CALIBAN: Ha, ha, ha!

Explanation:
Caliban laughs at the chaos.
Analysis:

• Finds humor in others’ suffering.
• Shows his manipulative and mischievous side.
• Theme: Mockery, Madness.

---

STEPHANO: Now forward with your tale. (To Trinculo.) Prithee, stand further off.

Explanation:
Stephano tells Caliban to continue his plan and asks Trinculo to stand away.
Analysis:

• He tries to regain focus.
• Shows how easily distracted and foolish they are.
• Theme: Lack of leadership, Chaos.

---

CALIBAN: Beat him enough. After a little time I’ll beat him too.

Explanation:
Caliban says, “You’ve beaten him enough, but later I’ll hit him too.”
Analysis:

• Violence as humor – dark comedy.
• Reflects how Caliban has internalized violence and dominance.
• Theme: Cycle of Abuse, Desperation.

---

STEPHANO: Stand farther. (Trinculo moves farther away.) Come, proceed.

Explanation:
Stephano insists Trinculo move even farther and tells Caliban to go on.
Analysis:

• Still trying to carry on with the plan.
• Shows his desire for control despite the foolish situation.

---

CALIBAN: Why, as I told thee, ’tis a custom with him—

Explanation:
Caliban begins to repeat the story about Prospero, starting with “As I was saying, it’s his habit…”
Analysis:

• Interrupted by earlier chaos, he resumes his story.
• Leads into more plotting.

“I’ th’ afternoon to sleep. There thou mayst brain him,”

Meaning:
Prospero usually takes a nap in the afternoon. That’s when you can smash his head.

Language Device:

• Colloquial tone – “I’ th’” mimics Caliban’s rustic speech.
• Violent imagery – “brain him” (crack his skull) shows his hatred.

Theme:

• Rebellion and revenge – Caliban wants freedom through murder.

---

“Having first seized his books, or with a log
Batter his skull, or paunch him with a stake,
Or cut his weasand with thy knife.”

Meaning:
But first, take his books. Then you could either hit him with a log, stab him in the belly, or slit his throat.

Language Device:

• Anaphora – repeated “or” creates rhythm and shows Caliban listing methods with excitement.
• Grotesque imagery – reflects Caliban’s deep resentment.

Theme:

• Power and knowledge – books represent Prospero’s magical power.
• Violence and savagery – highlights how dehumanized Caliban has become.

---

“Remember
First to possess his books, for without them
He’s but a sot, as I am,”

Meaning:
Don’t forget: take his books first. Without them, he’s just a drunk fool like me.

Language Device:

• Simile – “as I am” shows Caliban’s self-awareness.
• Irony – Caliban recognizes his own powerlessness.

Theme:

• Knowledge = Power – Prospero’s magic depends on his books.
• Colonialism – The books symbolize the colonizer’s tools of control.

---

“Nor hath not
One spirit to command. They all do hate him
As rootedly as I.”

Meaning:
He won’t be able to command any spirits. In fact, they all hate him deeply—just like I do.

Language Device:

• Double negative – “nor hath not” is typical of Shakespeare’s style.
• Personification – spirits are described as emotional beings.

Theme:

• Power through control – Spirits obey Prospero only because of his magic.
• Hatred and betrayal – Caliban wants to unite others in rebellion.

---

“Burn but his books.”

Meaning:
Just burn his books!

Language Device:

• Imperative sentence – shows urgency and obsession.
• Alliteration – “burn but” creates emphasis.

Theme:

• Destruction of power – Destroying books is symbolic of destroying Prospero’s rule.

---

“He has brave utensils—for so he calls them—
Which, when he has a house, he’ll deck withal.”

Meaning:
He has fine household items (as he calls them) that he’ll use to decorate his home.

Language Device:

• Sarcasm – “for so he calls them” mocks Prospero’s taste.
• Material imagery – “deck withal” reflects colonial possession.

Theme:

• Ownership and status – Prospero plans to settle, like a colonizer.

---

“And that most deeply to consider is
The beauty of his daughter. He himself
Calls her a nonpareil.”

Meaning:
But the most important thing to think about is his daughter’s beauty. He says she’s one of a kind.

Language Device:

• Hyperbole – “nonpareil” (matchless) shows how highly she’s valued.
• Objectification – Miranda is treated as a prize.

Theme:

• Desire and possession – Caliban and Stephano see Miranda as something to own.
• Patriarchy – Women as assets in male power struggles.

---

“I never saw a woman
But only Sycorax my dam and she;”

Meaning:
I’ve only ever seen two women in my life—my mother, Sycorax, and Miranda.

Language Device:

• Contrast – between Miranda and Sycorax highlights Miranda’s beauty.

Theme:

• Isolation and experience – Caliban’s worldview is shaped by a lack of contact with others.

---

“But she as far surpasseth Sycorax
As great’st does least.”

Meaning:
Miranda is way more beautiful than Sycorax, like the best thing is better than the worst.

Language Device:

• Simile – emphasizes Miranda’s overwhelming beauty.
• Antithesis – “great’st” vs “least” shows the extremes.

Theme:

• Idealization of women – Miranda is placed on a pedestal.

---

STEPHANO: Is it so brave a lass?
(Meaning): Is she really that beautiful?

Tone:
Curious and greedy – now Stephano is interested.

---

CALIBAN: Ay, lord, she will become thy bed, I warrant,
And bring thee forth brave brood.

Meaning:
Yes, my lord. She’ll make a fine wife and give you strong children.

Language Device:

• Alliteration – “brave brood” adds rhythm.
• Objectification – Miranda is reduced to childbearing.

Theme:

• Power through marriage – gaining rule by claiming Miranda.

---

STEPHANO: Monster, I will kill this man. His daughter
and I will be king and queen—save our Graces!—
and Trinculo and thyself shall be viceroys.—Dost
thou like the plot, Trinculo?

Meaning:
Alright, monster. I’ll kill Prospero. Miranda and I will rule as king and queen. You and Trinculo can be my viceroys (governors). Do you like the plan, Trinculo?

Language Device:

• Irony – the drunk Stephano dreams of being royalty.
• Comic relief – grand plans made by fools.

Theme:

• Delusions of power – commoners dreaming of ruling.
• Colonial satire – mocks how invaders claim lands.

---

TRINCULO: Excellent.
(Meaning): Great idea!

Tone:
Simple and approving – adds to the humor.

---

STEPHANO: Give me thy hand. I am sorry I beat thee.
But while thou liv’st, keep a good tongue in thy
head.

Meaning:
Shake my hand. I’m sorry for hitting you. But from now on, watch what you say.

Language Device:

• Shift in tone – from angry to diplomatic.
• Foreshadowing – shows the tension still exists.

Theme:

• Power dynamics – even allies don’t fully trust each other.

---

CALIBAN: Within this half hour will he be asleep.
Wilt thou destroy him then?

Meaning:
He’ll be asleep soon. Will you kill him then?

Language Device:

• Rhetorical question – presses Stephano to commit.

Theme:

• Conspiracy and betrayal

---

STEPHANO: Ay, on mine honor.
(Meaning): Yes, I swear it.

Irony:
He swears “on his honor,” yet he’s drunk and plotting murder.

---

ARIEL (aside): This will I tell my master.

Meaning:
I’ll go tell Prospero everything they’re planning.

Language Device:

• Aside – Ariel speaks to the audience, unheard by the others.
• Dramatic irony – audience knows what the villains don’t.

Theme:

• Loyalty and justice – Ariel remains true to Prospero.
• Foreshadowing – their plan is doomed.

---

CALIBAN: Thou mak’st me merry. I am full of pleasure.

Meaning:
You make me happy. I’m full of joy.

Language Device:

• Dramatic irony – Caliban’s joy is misplaced.

Theme:

• False hope – Caliban thinks he’s close to freedom.

CALIBAN

“Let us be jocund. Will you troll the catch / You taught me but whilere?”

• Explanation: Caliban says, “Let’s be cheerful. Will you sing the song you taught me a little while ago?”
• Language: “Jocund” = joyful; “troll the catch” = sing the round (a type of song sung in a group).
• Theme: Celebration before rebellion. Caliban’s mood swings show his childlike nature.
• Note: His enthusiasm contrasts with the violent plot just discussed.

---

STEPHANO

“At thy request, monster, I will do reason, any reason.—Come on, Trinculo, let us sing.”

• Explanation: Stephano says, “Since you asked, monster, I’ll be reasonable—anything you want. Let’s sing, Trinculo.”
• Language: “Do reason” — a humorous twist; could mean “act reasonably” or “drink (wine) in good reason.”
• Tone: Playful, but shows how easily distracted they are from their original murderous intent.

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Song: “Flout ’em and cout ’em / And scout ’em and flout ’em! / Thought is free.”

• Explanation: A silly, mocking tune: “Mock them and trick them—thought is free!”
• Language Devices:
  • Alliteration: “flout,” “cout,” “scout” = playful rhythm.
  • Repetition: Emphasizes mockery and freedom.
• Theme: Freedom of thought vs. actual bondage (ironic, as Caliban is enslaved).
• Note: “Thought is free” was a popular proverb—used here with ironic weight.

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CALIBAN: “That’s not the tune.”

• Explanation: Caliban interrupts—saying that’s not how the song goes.
• Character Insight: Shows Caliban’s connection to sound and music; he’s sensitive to it.

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Stage Direction: Ariel plays the tune on a tabor and pipe.

• Explanation: Ariel (invisible spirit) plays a haunting tune to distract them.
• Theme: Magic and illusion — Prospero, through Ariel, manipulates events.

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STEPHANO: “What is this same?”

• Explanation: “What’s this sound?”
• Tone: Confused, unsure. The music surprises them.

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TRINCULO: “This is the tune of our catch played by the picture of Nobody.”

• Explanation: Trinculo jokes—“The tune is being played by an invisible person!”
• Language Device:
  • Metaphor: “Picture of Nobody” = the invisible Ariel.
  • Comedy: Absurdity adds humor.
• Theme: Supernatural, illusion, fear of the unknown.

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STEPHANO: “If thou be’st a man, show thyself in thy likeness. If thou be’st a devil, take’t as thou list.”

• Explanation: “If you’re human, show yourself. If you’re a devil, do whatever you want.”
• Theme: Fear of witchcraft or the supernatural (common in Shakespeare’s time).
• Language: Shakespeare captures rising fear and bravado.

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TRINCULO: “O, forgive me my sins!”

• Explanation: Trinculo panics, asking God for forgiveness.
• Theme: Religion, guilt, fear of damnation.
• Character Insight: Shows he’s a coward under pressure.

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STEPHANO: “He that dies pays all debts.—I defy thee!—Mercy upon us!”

• Explanation: “When you die, you owe nothing anymore. I challenge you! Have mercy!”
• Note: Shifts from brave to terrified quickly.
• Theme: Bravado vs. fear, mortality.

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CALIBAN: “Art thou afeard?”

• Explanation: “Are you scared?”
• Character Insight: Caliban is unafraid—he knows the island.

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STEPHANO: “No, monster, not I.”

• Explanation: “No, I’m not afraid.”
• Tone: Still trying to act tough.

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CALIBAN

“Be not afeard. The isle is full of noises, / Sounds and sweet airs that give delight and hurt not.”

• Explanation: “Don’t be afraid. The island is full of music and beautiful sounds that don’t hurt you.”
• Language Device:
  • Imagery: “sweet airs,” “delight” — evokes beauty.
  • Alliteration: “Sounds and sweet” softens the tone.
• Theme: Nature’s magic, beauty, dream vs. reality.
• Character Insight: Caliban’s poetic soul shines here. He’s more than a “monster.”

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“Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments / Will hum about mine ears…”

• Explanation: “Sometimes I hear many instruments playing in the air…”
• Imagery: “twangling,” “hum” — vivid sensory detail.
• Theme: The mysterious magic of the island; connection to the sublime.

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“…and sometimes voices / That, if I then had waked after long sleep, / Will make me sleep again.”

• Explanation: “Sometimes voices that I hear after waking lull me back to sleep.”
• Theme: The lure of dreams, illusion, escape.

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“And then, in dreaming, / The clouds methought would open, and show riches / Ready to drop upon me, that when I waked / I cried to dream again.”

• Explanation: “In my dreams, I see riches falling from the sky, and when I wake up, I cry because I want to keep dreaming.”
• Language Device:
  • Metaphor: Riches = not just gold, but beauty, hope.
  • Theme: Desire, loss, and the power of dreams.

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STEPHANO: “This will prove a brave kingdom to me, where I shall have my music for nothing.”

• Explanation: “This will be a great kingdom—I’ll get free music!”
• Tone: Comedic—he misses Caliban’s deeper point.
• Theme: Colonial ignorance, greed.

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CALIBAN: “When Prospero is destroyed.”

• Explanation: “Only after we kill Prospero.”
• Reminder: Returns to their plot of rebellion.

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STEPHANO: “That shall be by and by. I remember the story.”

• Explanation: “We’ll do that soon. I remember the plan.”
• Note: Shows how easily they’re distracted.

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TRINCULO: “The sound is going away. Let’s follow it, and after do our work.”

• Explanation: “The music is fading. Let’s chase it, then do the killing later.”
• Theme: Distraction, folly.
• Language: Trinculo shows poor judgment, like the others.

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STEPHANO: “Lead, monster. We’ll follow.—I would I could see this taborer. He lays it on. Wilt come?”

• Explanation: “Lead the way, monster. I wish I could see the person playing this music—he’s good! You coming?”
• Language: “Lays it on” = playing well.
• Tone: Still distracted.

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TRINCULO: “I’ll follow, Stephano.”

• Explanation: “I’m coming with you.”
• Theme: The trio is enchanted and distracted—perfect for Prospero’s trap.