The Tempest Group

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shane09
shane09

In The Tempest, what plan does Caliban suggest for killing Prospero? 

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Posted by shane09 on Saturday January 10, 2009 at 12:56 PM and tagged with caliban, characters, plot, prospero, the tempest.

Answers:


  1. robertwilliam

    eNotes Editor

    Here's the passage you're referring to: it's from Act 3, Scene 2 of "The Tempest". Caliban is addressing Stephano (and Trinculo): 

    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.

    Prospero always sleeps in the afternoon - he has a nap, effectively! Caliban wants Stephano to first seize his books, and then "brain" him (batter him on the head) with a log - or, perhaps, stab him in the stomach ("paunch him") with a stake - or, perhaps, cut his windpipe ("wezand") with a knife.

    Caliban knows too that the books are the key to Prospero's power, and makes sure that Stephano knows that the books have got to be seized before Prospero is killed.

    Hope it helps!

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/tempest-text/act-iii-scene-ii

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    Posted by robertwilliam on Saturday January 10, 2009 at 6:59 PM