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Question
Despite being a half monster and half human, Caliban comes across as superior to Stephano and Trinculo. Justify the statement with supporting evidence from the Acts studied in 200-250 words.
Solution
In "The Tempest," Caliban, despite his supposed monster nature, frequently displays features that suggest he is more analytical and observant than Stephano and Trinculo, who are purportedly 'civilised' men. This disparity is prominently reflected in their interactions and plans on the island.
First and foremost, Caliban understands the island better than Stephano and Trinculo. He possesses an intuitive understanding of the island's natural resources and geography, which he uses to navigate and survive. For example, in Act II, Scene II, he appropriately explains the island's characteristics and resources to Stephano, offering to show him "the best springs" and promising to take him to "clustering filberts." This practical understanding demonstrates his adaptability and survival instincts, which Stephano and Trinculo lack as they navigate their surroundings.
Furthermore, Caliban's attempt to overthrow Prospero exhibits a level of sophistication and strategic thinking that Stephano and Trinculo lack. Caliban persuades Stephano to assassinate Prospero in Act III, Scene II, presenting a thorough plot to catch him sleeping and grab his magical books. Caliban is the mastermind here, demonstrating his ability to influence and lead action to achieve his intended outcome, as opposed to Stephano and Trinculo's intoxicated folly and lack of foresight.
Furthermore, Caliban's knowledge of his own captivity and longing for liberation demonstrate a depth of character and grasp of his surroundings that Stephano and Trinculo lack. He sees Prospero's power as oppressive and desires release, expressing deep feelings about his situation in various monologues that reflect on his sense of self and individuality.
Caliban's superior knowledge of the island, strategic scheming, and reflective comprehension of his own predicament all point to a higher level of character depth and competence than Stephano and Trinculo's more superficial, self-serving, and buffoonish behaviour. These parts of his character call into question traditional notions of 'monstrosity' and 'humanity', presenting him as a shockingly superior figure in many ways.
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RELATED QUESTIONS
A1. Choose two sentences that appropriately mention the theme of the passage :
(1) The extract deals with the writer’s concern over Chaitanya's handicap.
(2) The extract depicts the writer’s proud feelings towards her son’s achievement.
(3) The extract deals with how Chaitanya made the writer see positively towards life.
(4) The extract deals with how the writer helps Chaitanya to buy the bus ticket.
Early in 1997-98, when he returned from state-level inter-school sports, he had two prizes to his credit and a silver medal. He had won his laurels in athletic events and the silver medal in a running race.
When I saw the prizes and read the citation Chaitanya had received, I was stupefied, in total disbelief, then–hugged him, kissed him and cried unabashedly to my heart’s content. That day, I cried for the first time out of joy and a sense of being vindicated. Without practice, he had competed with approximately 1,800 children drawn from various schools all over the state. He was subsequently selected for the marathon race, but he could not participate due to a health problem. “Maybe next year, he would”, I assured myself. And I, as his proud mother, would proudly chronicle his future achievements and success to inspire other - mothers of the world.
Looking back at my own life, I feel that it is the spirit with which we can accept our life gracefully is what
matters ultimately; and it is love that nourishes us. All other things are unimportant. Chaitanya has made me look inwards. His handicap doesn’t disturb me any longer. He and I shall live with it and still be happy. The mental strength which he has given to me is inexhaustible.
One day, as both of us got onto a public transport bus, Chaitanya offered to buy the tickets for us.
“One full, one half ”, he said to the conductor beaming with joy.
Looking at him, I wondered whether he was really only a half? An incomplete person? Was I really full?
Complete in all respects? Why do then normal people feel that they are ‘full’ and others like Chaitanya are ‘half’ or incomplete? Chaitanya’s world is complete in itself, pure and innocent while our lives are full of deceit, jealousies, ill-feelings.
A2. Point out -
Point out two instances where you find Chaitanya's victory over his disability.
A3. Give reasons -
Chaitanya’s silver medal in a running race was very special for the writer, because :
(i) __________________
(ii) __________________
A4. Vocabulary -
Match the pairs of the words in column ‘A’ with their meanings in column ‘B’:
| Column ‘A’ | Column ‘B’ | ||
| (1) | stupefied | (a) | official statement about the special act of courage |
| (2) | chronicle | (b) | record events in the order they happened |
| (3) | vindicated | (c) | surprised or shocked |
| (4) | citation | (d) | justified |
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