Student Question
How does Prospero's attitude towards Caliban change from Act 1, Scene 2 to Act 5, Scene 1?
Quick answer:
Prospero's attitude towards Caliban shifts from intense loathing in Act 1, Scene 2, where he threatens him with physical torment, to a more conciliatory tone in Act 5, Scene 1. Initially, Prospero expresses hatred and promises severe punishment, but by the final act, he reaches an uneasy truce, asking Caliban to tidy his cell in exchange for pardon. Caliban responds positively, indicating a desire for grace and wisdom.
In Act 2.1.293-325, we witness Prospero's loathing of the slave. Caliban protests and calls Prospero names, and Prospero, in a voice drippping with hatred, tells his "poisonous slave,"
For this sure be tonight thou shalt have cramps.
Side-stitches that shall pen thy breath up. Urchins
Shall forth at vast of night, that they may work
All exercise on thee. Thou shalt be pinched
As thick as honeycomb, each pinch more stinging
Than bees that made 'em.
In Act 5.1,925-300, Caliban and Prospero have reached an uneasy truce. After apologizing to Alfonso for Caliban's manners, he says to Caiban, "Go, sirrah, to my cell/Take with you your companions. As you look/To have my pardon,/Trim* it handsomely" (*trim = tidy, decorate).
Caliban responds, "Ay, that I will; and I'll be wise hereafter,/And seek for grace."
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