The Tempest Caliban Quotes

Caliban

Quote 1

CALIBAN
This island's mine, by Sycorax my mother,
Which thou tak'st from me. When thou cam'st first,
Thou strok'st me and mad'st much of me, wouldst
   give me
Water with berries in 't, and teach me how 
To name the bigger light and how the less,
That burn by day and night. And then I loved thee,
And show'd thee all the qualities o' th' isle,
The fresh springs, brine-pits, barren place and
   fertile.
Cursed be I that did so! All the charms 
Of Sycorax, toads, beetles, bats, light on you,
For I am all the subjects that you have,
Which first was mine own king; and here you sty me
In this hard rock, whiles you do keep from me
The rest o' th' island. (1.2.396-411)

In the rules of the court, Prospero would never have taken in Caliban this way—nor would Caliban do him service out of love (instead of duty). Initially, the rules of the courtly world were suspended on the island.

Caliban > Prospero

Quote 2

CALIBAN
You taught me language, and my profit on 't
Is, I know how to curse. The red plague rid you
For learning me your language! (1.2.437-439)

There's a lot to dislike about Caliban but his provocative retort to the above passage is pretty admirable.  Here, he talks back and insists that one good thing came from learning his master's language—the ability to curse.  

Caliban

Quote 3

CALIBAN
No, pray thee.
[Aside.] I must obey. His art is of such power
It would control my dam's god, Setebos, 
and make a vassal of him.  (1.2.447-450)

Caliban doesn't think he deserves to be in servitude for his attempt to rape Miranda, nor does he have any remorse. His servitude is simply the result of power politics—Prospero's magic makes it impossible for Caliban to be free.