How Is Iago Presented In The Crucible

I n t h i s p a s s a g e f r o m T h e T e m p e s t , P r o s p e r o e m i t s a t i r a d e , d i r e c t e d a t C a l i b a n , i n w h i c h h e justifies Caliban’s enslavement through perceived inherent moral inequality. Prospero addresses Caliban as an “abhorrèd slave ... capable of all ill,” as a “savage” that “wouldst gabble like a thing most brutish,” and as one of “vile race” (1.2.351­353, 355, 356­357, 358). Prospero’s first line conveys emotions of anger and disgust, undoubtedly at Caliban’s betrayal in his attempted rape of Miranda, through the use of a visceral adjective and an exclamatory remark. (1.2.358). Prospero cements a tone of condescension and personal superiority, by repeating the word “slave” from an earlier line in the Scene (1.2.309). In classifying Caliban as property, Prospero’ exemplifies the play’s re­occurring hierarchical and servile …show more content…
Prospero goes on to recount how he “pitied [Caliban,] took pains to make [him] speak, taught [him] each hour one thing or other” (1.2.353­5). Shakespeare’s rhythmic construction of these lines, employing changing, yet related, assonance and consonance, emphasizes Prospero’s self­perception as a benevolent superior. Prospero goes so far as to state that Caliban would “not ... Know [his] own meaning,” had Prospero not “endowed [his] purposes with words that made them known” (1.2.355­6, 357­8). Ironically, Prospero shows himself to be self­important, while exemplifying his good deeds. Prospero’s consistent self­elevation and his depreciation of Caliban, while informing the audience to his biased self­understanding, establishes the idea of Prospero and Caliban as foils. Thus, in the opinion of Prospero, Caliban no longer deserves his sovereignty as consequence of his intrinsic nature, leaving Prospero excused of any immoralities in his treatment of