The Tempest Group

Question:


just-talia
Student
High School - 9th Grade

I've heard that Caliban previously raped Miranda, and this is one reason why Prospero dislikes him. Is this true?

is there any text proof that confirms this?

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Posted by just-talia on Monday April 30, 2007 at 12:07 PM and tagged with caliban, miranda, the tempest.

Answers:


  1. jamie-wheeler Teacher
    College - Sophomore

    Yes. Caliban did try to rape Miranda and boasts of his deed. Prospero confronts him in 2.1.350-51. He says that while he was his guest, Caliban attempted the rape. He rails: "In mine own cell/till thou didst seek to violate/The honor of my child."

    Not abashed at all, Caliban replies that he wishes he had succeeded in the rape of Miranda: "O ho, O ho! Would'st had been done!/Thou didst prevent me; I had peopled else/This isle of Calibans." This last bit means that not only would he have done it once, but repeatedly, until the isle was full of his offspring. Quite a slap...

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/tempest

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    Posted by jamie-wheeler on Monday April 30, 2007 at 7:33 PM

  2. babyrachere
    babyrachere Student
    High School - 9th Grade

    from what I have heard yes he did

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    Posted by babyrachere on Sunday May 13, 2007 at 9:43 AM