Caliban

Act 2, Scene 2, Line 155

CALIBAN: I'll show thee the best springsl I'll pluck thee berries;
I'll fish for thee, and get thee wood enough.
A plague upon the tyrant that I serve!
I'll bear him no more sticks but follow thee,
Thou wondrous man.

TRINCULO: A most ridiculous monster - to make a wonder of a poor drunkard.

CALIBAN: I prithee, let me bring thee where crabs grow,
And I with my long nails will dig thee pignuts,
Show thee a jay's nest, and instruct thee how
To snare the nimble marmoset. I'll bring thee
To clust'ring filberts, and sometimes I'll get thee
Young scamels from the rock. Wilt thou go with me?


I'm not entirely sure I picked a completely legitimate passage...but this definitely shows the importance of nature in the play, especially when it comes to Caliban. He's a product of nature as well as being a living representation of it. I also felt that he spoke particularly beautifully and eloquently in this passage while using words pertaining to nature and its importance. He references Prospero as well in a negative light, calling him "the tyrant that I serve" (that's about Prospero, right?). These lines remind me of the conversation we had in class the other day about the importance of the knowledge Caliban possesses as opposed to the books and words Prospero values but does not necessarily understand. It's also impressive that he speaks so eloquently when drunk!