What Happens To Caliban At The End Of The Tempest

What Happens to Caliban at the End of The Tempest: A Multifaceted Conclusion

Shakespeare's The Tempest famously leaves much to the reader's interpretation, particularly regarding the fate of its complex characters. While Prospero's renunciation of magic and anticipated return to Milan provides a seemingly clear narrative arc, Caliban's ending is far more ambiguous and has been a source of endless critical debate. This essay will delve into the various interpretations of Caliban's fate at the play's conclusion, exploring the textual evidence, the historical context of the play's creation, and the enduring relevance of Caliban's character in contemporary discussions of colonialism, oppression, and the potential for redemption.

The Ambiguity of Caliban's Final Scene

Caliban's final appearance is brief and lacks the dramatic flourish afforded to other characters. He is present during the masque, a spectacle that highlights Prospero's power and ultimately foreshadows his relinquishing of magic. However, Caliban's role in this scene is minimal; he remains largely a silent observer, offering no direct interaction with the central action. This silence is significant. Does it indicate resignation, acceptance, or a simmering resentment that remains unspoken?

The final lines spoken by Caliban are arguably more telling than his physical presence. He offers a cryptic, almost prophetic, curse: "As wicked dew as e'er my mother brush'd / With raven's feather from unwholesome fen, / Drop on you both!" (5.1.266-268). This curse, while seemingly directed at Stephano and Trinculo, could also be interpreted as a broader condemnation of the colonizers and their exploitative practices. It suggests a lingering bitterness and a refusal to fully forgive those who have wronged him.

Interpretations of Caliban's Fate: Condemnation, Redemption, or Something Else?

Several interpretations of Caliban's ending have emerged over the centuries. One common interpretation views his fate as ultimately tragic. He remains enslaved, albeit under a potentially less harsh master (Prospero's implied departure leaves the island's future uncertain). His potential for learning and development, initially hinted at in his interactions with Prospero, is ultimately unfulfilled. The lingering curse suggests a continuing bitterness and a lack of genuine reconciliation. This perspective highlights Caliban as a victim of colonialism, forever marked by the trauma of exploitation and dispossession.

Conversely, some critics argue for a more nuanced view of Caliban's ending. They suggest that his final silence might not represent defeat but rather a quiet acceptance of his situation. This interpretation hinges on the idea that Caliban's curses are more a reflection of his inherent nature – his connection to the island and its supernatural forces – than a sign of unremitting anger. His final words might represent a final, albeit futile, attempt to assert his agency, even in the face of overwhelming power.

Furthermore, some interpretations suggest a degree of redemption for Caliban, focusing on his potential for growth and understanding that is hinted at earlier in the play. While he is certainly capable of cruelty and revenge, he also displays moments of intellectual curiosity and a yearning for connection, most notably in his initial interactions with Prospero. The absence of any explicit condemnation in the play's final moments leaves open the possibility of a future where Caliban might find a measure of peace and reconciliation, even without the intervention of Prospero.

Caliban as a Symbol of Colonization and Resistance

The ambiguity surrounding Caliban's fate adds to his enduring relevance as a symbol of colonized peoples and their struggle for liberation. His subjugation at the hands of Prospero mirrors the historical realities of European colonialism, particularly in the Americas. Caliban's language, his connection to the land, and his resistance against his oppressor all resonate deeply with the experiences of colonized populations throughout history.

Caliban's language, initially presented as crude and savage, evolves throughout the play, revealing a surprisingly sophisticated understanding of his situation and a capacity for eloquent expression. This highlights the deceptive nature of colonial narratives that often portray colonized peoples as inherently inferior or incapable of intellectual development.

His connection to the land serves as a powerful symbol of indigenous identity and the violent dispossession inflicted by colonizers. The island, his home, is usurped by Prospero, reflecting the historical erasure of indigenous cultures and their connection to their ancestral lands.

His resistance, though ultimately unsuccessful in the context of the play's narrative, remains a powerful assertion of his agency and his refusal to be completely subjugated. This resonates with historical accounts of indigenous resistance to colonial powers, often expressed through subtle acts of defiance and cultural preservation.

The Enduring Legacy of Caliban

Caliban's ambiguous fate has ensured his lasting presence in literary and cultural discourse. He has become a powerful symbol of colonialism, oppression, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. His story continues to resonate with audiences today, prompting critical reflection on the legacy of colonialism and the ongoing struggle for social justice. The very ambiguity of his ending allows for diverse and evolving interpretations, reflecting the ongoing conversations around identity, power, and the complexities of human relationships.

Furthermore, Caliban's character has inspired numerous works of art, literature, and performance, furthering his impact on cultural landscapes. These reinterpretations often center on themes of postcolonial theory, environmentalism, and anti-imperialism, demonstrating the enduring power of Caliban's story to challenge and provoke.

Conclusion: An Open-Ended Legacy

The question of what happens to Caliban at the end of The Tempest remains open to interpretation. There is no single, definitive answer. The ambiguity of his fate is precisely what makes his character so compelling and enduringly relevant. He stands as a powerful reminder of the complexities of colonialism, the enduring impact of oppression, and the ongoing struggle for self-determination. His story continues to resonate, challenging us to confront the legacies of the past and to consider the possibilities of reconciliation and redemption, however uncertain they may seem. His silence, his curse, his very presence at the play's close, all contribute to a powerful and ultimately unresolved ending – a fitting tribute to a character whose complexities defy easy categorization and whose story continues to unfold in the minds of audiences centuries after the play's first performance.