Analysis of Caliban’s Speech in Shakespeare’s The Tempest – SS2 Literature Lesson
Literature in English SS 2 Second Term Lesson Note – Week 4
Topic: Literary Appreciation of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest
Sub-topic: Analysis of the Extract from The Tempest
Behavioral Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Identify the speaker of the given passage.
- Determine the character being addressed.
- Explain the meaning of the passage.
- Analyze the literary devices used in the extract.
- Answer comprehension questions based on the passage.
Keywords
- The Tempest
- Speaker
- Addressed character
- Literary devices
- Interpretation
Set Induction
The teacher will begin the lesson by asking students to recall what they know about William Shakespeare and his play The Tempest. The teacher will then introduce the given passage and its significance in the play.
Entry Behavior
Students have been introduced to Shakespearean drama and are familiar with literary devices and themes in literature.
Learning Resources and Materials
- A copy of The Tempest by William Shakespeare
- Whiteboard and marker
- Audio recording of Shakespearean plays
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
Students have read The Tempest in previous lessons and have discussed its plot, characters, and themes. This lesson builds on their understanding by analyzing a key passage.
Embedded Core Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Literary Analysis
- Comprehension Skills
- Creative Interpretation
Instructional Materials
- Text of The Tempest
- Notes on literary devices
- Shakespearean glossary
Content: Analysis of the Extract
Extract from The Tempest
“Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments
Will him about mine ears, and sometime voices
That, if I then had waked after long sleep
Will make me sleep again, And then, dreaming,
The clouds me thought would open, and show riches
Ready to drop upon me; When I waked, I cried to dream again.”
Speaker and Context
The speaker of this passage is Caliban, a native of the island where the play takes place. Caliban is speaking about the mysterious and enchanting sounds he hears on the island. The passage highlights his deep connection to the island’s magical elements.
Character Addressed
The passage is directed at Stephano and Trinculo, two drunken characters who have taken Caliban under their influence.
Analysis and Meaning
- Magical Imagery: The passage reflects the mystical nature of the island, describing sounds and dreams that seem surreal.
- Dreams and Reality: Caliban expresses his longing for the dreamlike experiences of the island, showing his deep emotional connection to it.
- Use of Literary Devices:
- Imagery: “The clouds me thought would open, and show riches.”
- Alliteration: “Sometimes a thousand twangling…”
- Personification: “The clouds… show riches ready to drop.”
Evaluation Questions
- Who is the speaker in the passage?
(a) Ferdinand
(b) Gonzalo
(c) Alonso
(d) Caliban (Correct answer: d) - Who is being addressed in the passage?
(a) Horatio
(b) Caliban
(c) Stephano
(d) Ferdinand (Correct answer: c) - The speaker can be described as a
(a) carnivore
(b) savage
(c) sailor
(d) devourer (Correct answer: b) - What does ‘noises’ in the extract refer to?
(a) shouting
(b) clapping
(c) thunder
(d) music (Correct answer: d) - Who is another character present in this scene?
(a) Trinculo
(b) Ferdinand
(c) Miranda
(d) Prospero (Correct answer: a)
General Questions on Literary Appreciation
- The protagonist of a literary work is usually the
(a) author
(b) villain
(c) hero
(d) speaker (Correct answer: c) - Which literary device is used in “a thousand twangling instruments”?
(a) Simile
(b) Alliteration
(c) Metaphor
(d) Hyperbole (Correct answer: b) - The phrase “show riches ready to drop upon me” suggests
(a) greed
(b) hope
(c) magic
(d) sleep (Correct answer: c) - What is the major theme reflected in the passage?
(a) Betrayal
(b) Colonialism
(c) Supernatural elements
(d) Revenge (Correct answer: c) - Caliban’s speech can best be described as
(a) cheerful
(b) dreamy
(c) angry
(d) fearful (Correct answer: b)
Class Activity Discussion – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who is Caliban in The Tempest?
Caliban is the son of the witch Sycorax and is considered a native of Prospero’s island. - What does Caliban mean by “twangling instruments”?
He refers to the magical sounds on the island that seem to play music. - Why does Caliban say he “cried to dream again”?
He enjoys his dreams more than reality and wishes to return to them. - What does this passage reveal about Caliban’s character?
It shows his sensitivity and deep connection to the mystical elements of the island. - How does Shakespeare use imagery in this passage?
He creates vivid pictures of sounds, dreams, and the supernatural. - What is the significance of music in The Tempest?
Music represents magic, transformation, and the supernatural. - What is the relationship between Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo?
Caliban views them as potential liberators from Prospero but is ultimately deceived. - How does this passage contribute to the theme of illusion vs. reality?
It blurs the line between dreams and real life, a central theme in The Tempest. - Who is the protagonist of The Tempest?
Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan. - What literary device is used in “the clouds… would open, and show riches”?
Personification, as clouds are given human-like abilities.
Presentation Steps
- Introduction – The teacher revises previous knowledge about The Tempest.
- Reading the Passage – The teacher reads the passage aloud, allowing students to follow.
- Explanation – The teacher breaks down the passage’s meaning and themes.
- Discussion – Students analyze the passage with guided questions.
- Evaluation – Students answer comprehension and literary appreciation questions.
Assessment
- Who is the rightful ruler of the island in The Tempest?
- What does Caliban think about Prospero?
- How does Shakespeare use imagery in Caliban’s speech?
- Identify one major theme in The Tempest.
- What is the significance of dreams in The Tempest?
Conclusion
The teacher summarizes the lesson, emphasizing Caliban’s role and the use of imagery in The Tempest. Students’ responses are assessed, and feedback is given.