Saturday, February 13, 2010

Caliban's Blog Answers

As per your request, I have set up six different blog entries for you to post your comments about your research and then your comments about others' research under your character's very own blog entry.

A. Answer these questions in the first posting:
1. How do the indirect and direct characterization differ?
2. How would you choose to perform your character after looking at both types of
his characterization?

BE SURE TO HAVE TEXTUAL SUPPORT FOR YOUR ANSWERS AND PROPER CITATION (AT LEAST 4-5 EXAMPLES)

B. Comment on other people's answers.

27 comments:

  1. 1.Indirect and direct characterization differs by how Caliban is viewed. Direct characterization shows that Caliban is some sort of beast, or unique specie. "As wicked dew as e'er my mother brushed with raven's feather from unwholesome fen drop on you both. A southwest blow on you and blister you all o'er" (Act 1, Sc. 2 Line 385-389). This quote display how Caliban would want such a disastrous event to occur upon Prospero. This reveals the mean features that Caliban possess. "If I can recover him and keep him tame and get to Naples with him, he's a present for an emperor that ever trod on neat's leather" (Act 2 Sc. 2 Line 6-72) Stephano says this to himself as he witnesses Caliban. Stephano believes that Caliban has a special texture, if he take care of Caliban, that would be good for the king. "I'll beat him too" (Act 3 Sc. 2 Line 93). Caliban threatens to beat Trinculo after hearing that he told a lie to Stephano. In this threat, Caliban is viewed as someone strong and tough. Another way that direct characterization show that Caliban is a beast, was when Prospero insulted him. "We'll visit Caliban, my slave, who never yields us kinds answer" (Act 1 Sc. 2 Line 367-368). Prospero tells Miranda this as they were going to visit Caliban. Prospero described Caliban as his slave. Also, Prospero mentions that Caliban uses bad language when being spoken to. On the other hand, indirect characterization shows that Caliban is nothing but a slave. One example of this was from what Prospero said about Caliban. "That profit us. What, ho! slave! Caliban!" (Act 1 Sc. 2, Line 369). Caliban is being insulted by Prospero with words like ho, and slave. Another example is from what Caliban said. "Thine own for ever, and I, thy Caliban, For age thy foot-licker" (Act 4, Sc. 1 Line 239-240). Caliban tells Stephano that he will lick his foot. Saying that he will lick Stephano's foot means that he is a slave. Therefore, indirect and direct characterization are different because of the point of views on Caliban.
    2. If I would perform Caliban by the indirect characterizations, I would show how Caliban is low in power. Instead of making him look like a strong and tough beast, I would have to present Caliban in a manner that Stephano his above him. I have to show that Caliban would do anything for Stephano, since he is the master of Caliban.

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  2. 1). The direct and the indirect characterization differ because it’s portrayed differently. The direct characterization seems as the wretched beast while indirect characterization shows the reader that Caliban is only a slave. For example Prospero says “Dull thing, I say so; he, that Caliban. Whom now I keep in service” (Act 1 Scene 2 Line 334-335). Prospero is saying that Caliban is his personal slave that he is keeping him so he can serve him. When Prospero talks to his daughter he refers to Caliban as slave; “shake it off. Come on well visit Caliban my slave, who ever yields is kind answer” (Act1 Scene 2 Line 361-363). This shows that Prospero refers to Caliban as HIS slave.
    The indirect characterization shows the reader that Caliban is a horrible beast. This is proven when Prospero “Having seen but him and Caliban. Foolish wench, To th' most of men this is a Caliban And they to him are angels” (Act 1 Scene 2 Line 583- 585). This shows us that Prospero sees Caliban as a horrible man because he told his daughter that since she has never seen any other any other man looks like an angel. Then Prospero’s daughter, Miranda, refers to Caliban “’Tis a villain” (Act 1 Scene 2 Line 364). This proves that Miranda and Prospero look and think of Caliban as a horrible beast.

    2). If I were to perform this character I would make sure that it sounded heartless and mean because it seems in both types of characterization that Caliban is a heartless creature that is a slave and a beast.

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  3. B: i agree to what Kevin has to say about the character because its all true about Caliban

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  4. 1) The indirect and direct doesn't differ that much. The way it differs is just by how Caliban sees himself and the way Caliban acts. In this direct part, Caliban is kind of portray as peaceful and calm since he is avoiding trouble and telling others not to worry. "Here comes a spirit of his, and to torment me for bringing wood slowly. I'll fall flat. Perchance he will not mind me." (Act2 Sc.2 Lines 15-19). This tells you that Caliban is trying to avoid pain and suffrage from Ariel. Caliban does not want to get hurt so he hides instead of fighting back. Caliban also told Stephano "Be not afeard" (Act3 Sc.2 Lines 148). Caliban is trying to help Stephano and told him that it was nothing. Caliban is brave in this part, but he is still helping Stephano. Caliban seem not to be that much of a monster since he does not seem to have any ill wills against others. It is just how others see Caliban which made him looked bad. In the indirect part, it does not seem to be good as well since Caliban was described badly by others. "That profit us. What ho, slave, Caliban!" (Act1 Sc.2 Lines 366-370) Prospero is calling Caliban a slave. Prospero is referring slave to Caliban since that what Caliban is to Prospero even though Caliban helped him before. "Board'em servant monster, drink to me" Stephano also calls Caliban a servant and a monster. Stephano also treats Caliban as a servant and sees him as a monster as well. "Of the beast Calibanand his confederates" (Act4 Sc.1 Lines 152-156) Prospero calls Caliban a beast which it does not seem to be in a good way. Caliban was born with a non-human shape. Caliban is different from the others since he is not normal. In both the indirect part and direct, Caliban is seem as a lowly monster that doesn't have any knowledge. Caliban is not seem be describe positively by others.
    2) I will perform Caliban as a monster/beast which is not being liked by anyone or anything. It will be more of a servant or a butler instead of a brave and strong monster that does not fear anything. Also, I will show that he has no ill wills or harm since all he had been doing is serve other yet they treated him like trash. Caliban will be perform a servant monster like how Stephano calls him and he will be more of a slave or a butler. It will be different from any other kind of monster other people will see.

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  5. Denise - I will not call Caliban heartless because he does not seem to be hating others since Caliban is actually loyal to Stephano according to his own will. Caliban doesn't no ill wills against other people except Prospero since he treated Caliban badly after Caliban had helped him before when they first came to this island.

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  6. Ken - I agree when you stated that Caliban is a monster that has no knowledge. Caliban serves Stephano due to the wine that Stephano served to him. Now that Caliban is drunk, he is unaware of the fact that he is being used. Trinculo states this, "Thou liest, most ignorant monster" (Act 3 Sc. 2 Line 28). So, Caliban is being ignorant by giving goods and worshiping Stephano, that is using Caliban for his own good.

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  7. Julio Chen-
    A. Answer these questions in the first posting:
    1. How do the indirect and direct characterization differ?

    Direct and indirect characterization differ. In the book, The Tempest, Caliban is portrayed as a credulous monster to serve a drunken butler named Stephano. "I'll kiss thy foot. I'll swear myself thy subject." (Act 2 Sc 2 Line 157). Caliban takes Stephano as a some sort of god figure that bears celestial liquor. This is direct characterization because Caliban is ignorant enough to believe in his own idea of Stephano being superior than him. Caliban is shown to be scared of Prospero's magic which is somewhat like a weapon that Caliban fears. "From toe to crown he'll fill our skins with pinches, make us strange stuff." (Act 4 Sc 1 Line 260-261). Caliban's plan of making Stephano kill Prospero had back fired and he fears for his life. There is something different about Caliban than the other characters. He does not seem to be tempted by objects worn by kings. "Let it alone, thou fool, it is nothing but trash." (Act 4 Sc 1 Line 250). Caliban tells Stephano and Trinculo to leave the king's garments alone since it is pointless in their current situation of killing Prospero. Direct characterization of Caliban is his motives, opinions, and actions in the story. In indirect characterization, it is the other character's opinion about Caliban. "I shall laugh myself to death at this puppy-headed monster." (Act 2 Sc 2 Line 160-161). This is Trinculo's reaction towards Caliban's credulous statement about Stephano being a god-like man. The indirect characterization is shown in this and describes Caliban as a naive monster. "Oho, monster, we know what belongs to a frippery." (Act 4 Sc 1 Line 251-252. Again, Trinculo is describing Caliban as naive and not knowing what riches they had stumbled upon during the plan to kill Prospero. Caliban desires to get his revenge on Prospero, but Stephano prevents him from doing so unless he helps them carry the king's garments. "I'll turn you out of my kingdom. Go to, carry this." (Act 4 Sc 1 Line 278-279). Caliban ends up not succeeding in his plan and helps out his master. This indirect characterization shows Caliban is loyal to his master and would put aside his desire for the master.


    2. How would you choose to perform your character after looking at both types of his characterization?

    I would perform Caliban as a direct characterization because it will show Caliban as a evil monster. This will help the audience know Caliban's intentions, actions, and motives in the story.

    Ken- I think indirect and direct characterization differ a lot since there is two points of view about one character. I'm not sure though.

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  8. 1) Direct: As the direct point of view of Caliban sees himself as a slave to others. “Prospero: Fetch us in fuel…Caliban: I must obey” (act1 scene2 lines441, 448). This show that Caliban does what he is told even though he doesn’t want to. This quote shows that Caliban doesn’t want to do the action because he says the word must meaning he doesn’t want to do it. “I will kneel to him” (act2 scene2 line127). When Caliban say this he is says that he is a slave and he knows that he’s a slave and he must show loyalty to his master. “I never saw a woman but only Sycorax” (act3 scene2 line109-110). When Caliban say this quote that he is lonely and that the only person that’s loved him his mother Sycorax.
    Indirect: From the point of view in which others see them Caliban. “Then was this island not honored with a human shapes” (act1 scene2 line 334-337). This quote from Prospero shows that Caliban does not look human and he is a monster. Also when Prospero said that the island is not honored by Caliban this means that Caliban is a disgrace to the island because he does not look like a human. “What have we here a man or a fish? Dead or alive? A fish, he smells like a fish” (act2 scene2 line 25-26). Caliban is doesn’t look like a man but a fish. Caliban looks so much like a fish that he can’t tell the difference if he is a fish or a man. From the point of view from others Caliban looks like a fish”’Tis a villain, sir, I do not love to look on” (act1 scene2 line370-371). When Miranda said this she claims he is a bad person and that she hates to look at Caliban. This shows that everyone sees Caliban as a monster.

    2) When performing Caliban I would portray him as a man with a limp, hunchback, with one eye closed, and talk with a scratchy voice. When talking to Trinculo I would talk like I am angry at him and talk with respect to Stephano.

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  9. A.
    1. I think in the indirect characterization of Caliban, he is seen as more misunderstood because others do not see him the way he sees himself. Caliban is viewed differently as each person has their own opinion of him. Prospero views Caliban as a ‘slave’ [Act 1, Scene 2, Line 362] and a ‘beast’ [Act 4, Scene 1, Line 153]. Prospero thinks he is a higher and deserves to own Caliban because Caliban’s mother was an evil witch. Stephano views Caliban as his first loyal follower and somewhat respects him. When Caliban was being bullied, Stephano stood up for him. “Trinculo, if you trouble him any more in ‘s tale, by this hand, I will supplant some of your teeth.” [Act 3, Scene 2, Line 53-55] Trinculo views Caliban as a queer person. He does not understand why Caliban offers to serve his friend. “I shall laugh myself to death at this puppy-headed monster. A most scurvy monster. I could find in my heart to beat him—“[Act 2. Scene 2, Line 160-163]. From the different views listed above by different characters, the indirect and direct mostly differ from how each character views Caliban. Caliban views himself [direct] as a low class person who just wants a better life for himself. “A plague upon the tyrant that I serve! I’ll bear him no more sticks” [Act 2, Scene 2, Line 162-163]. Prospero and Caliban view Caliban both in an opposite way. Prospero believes Caliban is destined to serve him while Caliban believes he deserves better. Indirect and direct characterizations both differ in the sense that they are almost the opposite of each other. The characters view each other differently.
    2. I would try to act like a suck-up to Stephano because that is exactly what he does in Act 3, Scene 2. In a play I watched, Caliban got on his knees and licked Stephano’s foot. I was thinking of a more creative way to perform this action because I don’t want to lick anyone’s foot. I was discussing with my friends using a fruit roll up as a tongue and “licking” Stephano’s foot. Caliban’s attitude towards Trinculo is kind of not respectful. So to perform this, I will probably give Trinculo an attitude and criticize everything he does.

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  10. B .
    I partially agree with Jaafar and partially disagree. I think when he says that Caliban sees himself as a slave, I think it’s true and false. Caliban does indeed serve Prospero but he doesn’t exactly see himself as a slave. I think if Caliban were to see himself as a slave, he would not disobey his original master and go to Stephano. I think he sees himself a little higher than a slave. He sees himself like he deserves better than what Prospero gives him.

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  11. 1) Indirect and direct characterization is different from each other because of the different points of views of various characters. During direct characterization, Caliban thinks of himself as lower class because he says, "He's but a sot, as I am..." (Act 3, Sc. 2, line 102) when he is talking to Stephano. Thus, he refers to himself as a fool. "Do not torment me! O" (Act 2, Sc. 2, line 57)! He cannot stand torture from others; therefore, he cannot endure pain. When he says, "Lo, how he mocks me! Wilt thou let him, my lord?" (Act 3, Sc. 2, lines 33-34) Caliban needs a sense of protection from those that seem to have higher power than him. He seems unprotected. "Of the beast Caliban" (Act 4, Sc.1, line 153). This quote shows indirect characterization because this is how Prospero views Caliban. Caliban is also viewed as an unrespectful slave when Propsero says, "Caliban my slave, who never yields us kind answer" (Act 1, Sc.2, lines 368-369).

    2) If I had to perform Caliban's character, I would probably stand really close to the other characters to show that Caliban feels unprotected. Also, I think I will always look down on the ground showing that he doesn't think too highly of himself because of his social class among the characters he talks to.

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  12. Grace - I agree with you about how Caliban views himself directly as part of the lower class and desires a better life. He did abandon Prospero to serve Stephano instead because he thought Stephano treated him better.

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  13. 1. Direct and indirect characterization differs by the way Caliban acts and the way Caliban is seen by other characters. The way Caliban is seen and the way Caliban acts is similar in the way that Caliban is harmless and weak. In direct characterization, Caliban says, “I'll show thee the best springs. Ill pluck thee berries. Ill fish for thee and get wood enough. A plague upon the tyrant I serve.” (Act 2, scene 2, lines 166-168) Caliban in this quote is basically saying that he will do anything for Stephano and he hopes a plague upon his former master, Prospero. This is an example of how Caliban may threaten characters, but yet he is harmless and has no power because he gives his services to anybody. Caliban acts weak and eventually is still weak because he harms no one himself. Another example of direct characterization is when Caliban states, “Ill kiss thy foot. Ill swear myself thy subject.”(Act 2, scene 2, line 158) This quote shows that Caliban is weak and is willingly becoming a servant of Stephano. He offers to kiss Stephano’s foot and to go under oath as his slave. He is so weak that he does not even want his freedom; he accepts being a slave and actually volunteers to serve others. Another example of direct characterization that proves Caliban is powerless is in act 1, scene 2, and lines 396-397. Caliban states, “The islands mine by Sycorax, my mother. Which thou tak’st from me.” (Act 1, scene 2, and lines 396-397) This quote shows that the island Caliban resides on was given to him by his mother and Prospero has taken it away from him. Caliban is so weak that all he can do is say that the island that once was his was taken from him. He does not try to take back the island at all; therefore he is weak and harmless. Indirect characterization talks about how other characters see Caliban. Prospero, Caliban's former master states, “We’ll visit Caliban, my slave.” (Act 1, scene 2, line 368) This quote of indirect characterization clearly shows that other characters see Caliban once again as weak and harmless. Prospero refers to Caliban as his slave and that is the way all other characters in The Tempest see Caliban. Another example of indirect characterization is when Prospero states, “Having seen him and Caliban; foolish wrench.” (Act 1, scene 2, line 564) This shows once again that Caliban is a weak character. Prospero refers to Caliban as a foolish wench and that is the way Caliban is seen by everyone. Since everyone talks about Caliban this way, it shows that Caliban is in fact weak and harmless. Lastly, another quote of indirect characterization is, “thou think’st there is no more shapes as he.” (Act 1, scene 2, line 583) This quote shows that other characters see Caliban as a different shape than normal people and that puts him in the position to be weak and harmless. Direct and indirect characterization does not differ by much because they both view Caliban as a weak and harmless creature.
    2. After looking at both types of characterization, I would have to perform my character as a weak person. I would not anger anyone because I know that I would be harmless. I would act different from others because I would be a different shape than others. Caliban would be a quiet, weak, and harmless character to act as.

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  14. I agree with the way Mandy would preform Caliban's character. It would make sense that Caliban would stay close to other characters because he is weak and almost everyone else in the book has more power than him. As Mandy said, Caliban would also keep his head down because he does not have any power nor any confidence in himself to try and gain some power.

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  15. Jaafar-
    I also would agree with the way you would preform Caliban. You said you would preform Caliban as a man with a limp, hunchback, with one eye closed, and he would talk with a scratchy voice. This is understandable because other characters in the book see Caliban as a monster or a different shape than regular people. As for his personality, you did not say much, but i understand what you meant. Caliban would obey his master, Stephano with respect and would be seen as weak and harmless to every other character in the book.

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  16. Shelly Guan

    1. Though both direct and indirect characterizations share a base similarity, they differ because each have their own given prospective on a topic. Caliban’s base similarity between the two characterizations is that he’s a bit corrupted and a “thing” that’s made to be used because of his weakness. There are two different scenarios:
    a. One scene, and also a scenario, is between Prospero and Caliban. Directly, Caliban starts to show himself as someone who’s corrupted. He continuously throws curses upon Prospero and Miranda such as hoping that a “raven’s feather from an unwholesome fen drop on both” (Act 1 Line 135). He shows his selfish side, when he thinks of himself happily raping Miranda to “had peopled this isle with Calibans” (Act ` Lines 419-421). Even though with all the hate and corrupted ideas, he gives into Prospero’s magic because he himself knows and shows that he is too weak to go against this “art of such power” (Act 1 Lines 447). Indirectly, Prospero presents Caliban as wicked, evil, messed up, and a slave. Prospero calls Caliban as a “dull thing” (Act 1 Lines 340) and an ugly “hagborn not honored with a human shape” (Act 1 Lines 336). Even his daughter, Miranda, calls him a “villain” (Act 1 Lines 370). These words describe someone that’s vicious, a monster, and of course a villain. Caliban is a “poisonous slave, got by the devil himself upon thy wicked dam” (Act 1 Lines 382). Prospero saying these words also show that Caliban has no power at all and can’t defend for himself without someone. He is a slave because he can’t fight back.

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  17. b. Another scenario, a few scenes, is between Trinculo, Stephano, and Caliban. Directly, Caliban not only shows himself as still corrupted but also as a weak, low class, and stupid child. He’s afraid of everything that had to do with spirits. He hid in fear of Stephano and Trinculo when he first saw them. He thought they were Prospero’s spirits after him (Act 2 Lines 3-5). He hides form them, planning to “fall flat” and saying, “Perchance he will not find me” (Act 2 Lines 15). When he falls in love with Stephano, the drunkard, and he shows his stupidity and weakness as a child when because he believed that Stephano was a “brave god” and will “kneel to him” (Act 2 Lines 122). Caliban knows nothing about these men and he instantly thinks they’re holy. He once showed Prospero his island and its wonders and in the end became the tortured slave (Act 1 Lines 397-405). He again chooses to show Stephano the best places on the island because to him Stephano is a “wondrous man” (Act 2 Lines 166-170, 173-177). Caliban was also stupid enough to “swear upon thy bottle to become thy true subject” (Act 2 Lines 130). Caliban’s weakness just from taking a few sips and he walks himself again as a slave to another stranger. Also, during his travels with Stephano and Trinculo he can’t defend himself, showing his weak side, when Trinculo makes fun of him (Act 3 Lines 33-34). Though he maybe childlike, Caliban also proves himself still corrupted when he explains the terrible ideas and master plans to destroy Prospero (Act 3 Lines 96-110). Indirectly, Stephano and Trinculo think that he’s a monster that’s unknowledgeable and something that’s not scary. Stephano claimed that Caliban “cannot tell who’s your (Caliban) friend” (Act 2 Lines 88). Trinculo talks about Caliban as “a very shallow monster”, “a very weak monster”, “a most poor credulous monster!” (Act 2 Lines 150-154), and a “puppy-headed monster…a most scurvy monster” (Act 2 Lines 160-161). He continues with by also saying that Caliban is “a most ridiculous monster, to make a wonder of a poor drunkard” (Act 2 Lines 171-172). This indicates Caliban as an idiot for believing Stephano and making him into a god. Caliban praises this “brave god”. With that, Trinculo explains that Caliban is just plain stupid.

    2. After looking at both types of characterization, I’d act as someone who is evil but who is also a child. I also think depending on whom I’m speaking to, I’d change the way I act. If I was around someone like Prospero, my voice would be full of hatred and I’d curse upon him all the time. During some scenes, I may want to seem a little weak but also become madder when because Caliban knows that he can’t beat Prospero’s magic. If there was a scene with Stephano, my voice would still be a bit deep and scary, but I’d act as if I loved Stephano with everything I had. Caliban has faith that Stephano would destroy Caliban for him. I’d act happy and cheerful, like a child, because I’m getting what I want. If someone else was going against me, such as Trinculo when he mocked me, I’d become a child again and show hints of hatred against someone who dislikes me.

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  18. Kevin-- I'd totally do the same if I was acting like Caliban. Caliban needs to be presented as someone in the lower class, but how can that be presented? Maybe by showing that he's weak on certian situations?

    Grace-- In a way, I disagree and agree. It's true that Caliban doesn't seen himself as a slave, but I think that only works when he's with Prospero. Originally, he claims this the island was his by his mother, Sycorax (Act 1 Lines 396). Prospero took this island away from him and confined him into a cave with Prospero's magic. The magic is something Caliban can not go against, thus forcing him into becoming Prospero slave through threats.
    With Stephano, Caliban volunteers to be Stephano's slave. He knows that he will be "thy true subject" (Act 2 Line 130). Caliban already knows what he's made himself into, a slave.

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  19. CALIBAN

    1)Directly the guy thinks that he is more then what he really is. He thinks that he is a powerful man that can do what he wants. Just because his mother was Sycorax a powerful woman, he doesnt have any power. According to him the island is his. For example when he says "This island's mine by Sycorax my mother which thou takes from me." [ACT 1 SC 2 LINE 397] He is not part of the King Henry family that passed down powers through generations. He is a normal man that is actually a servant. I think he begins to realize he has no power when Triculo, Stephano and him talk about their plan to kill Prospero. Out of the three, Stephano will take over Prosperos power as Caliban will remain a servant. This man Caliban is a no one and he thinks of himself more then that. Its okay to have goals, but reach them first. He also thinks he's some UFC beast character. For example he says, "beat him enough, after a little time i'll beat him too." [ACT 3 SC 2 LINE 82-83] He just thinks hes everything he is not. I don't think he wants to fully admit to being a servant as at one point he says "I'll show thee best springs, I'll pluck the berries; I'll fish for thee and get the wood enough." [ACT 2 SC 2 LINE 160-161] Those are obviously not things a powerful guy does. There he knew what his real role was although he was drinking with Triculo and Stephano. The indirect charecterization states he is the whole oposite of a powerful beast. For example Prospero says, "We'll visit Caliban my slave, who never yields us kind answer." [ACT 1 SC 2 LINE 368-369]Prospero first handedly calls Caliban his slave and Mirando agrees to him being a servant.

    2)I thing when we perform Caliban, we can find a way to combine the direct and indirect characterizations. Throughout most of the act he should be showed as his direct characterization and be who Caliban thinks he is. As the act progressed, the indirect characterization can come along as other characters put him in his place and let him know who he really is! So at the start, he can act all tough and beasty but as time goes along, Prospero and others can take over and tell him straight up as they do in scenes when they call him a slave and servant so he can realize wow, i really am not my mother.

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  20. Ken Li
    I will perform Caliban as a monster/beast which is not being liked by anyone or anything. It will be more of a servant or a butler instead of a brave and strong monster that does not fear anything. Also, I will show that he has no ill wills or harm since all he had been doing is serve other yet they treated him like trash. Caliban will be perform a servant monster like how Stephano calls him and he will be more of a slave or a butler. It will be different from any other kind of monster other people will see.

    This is the way I want to perform Caliban. With mixed personalities that at one point may start balancing out to what Caliban really is which I think would be the indirect characterization. He acts a certain way so he should be able to obtain that attitude, but basically others will see that he is in denial. A powerful beast is not what Caliban is and Properso can teach him the real Caliban.

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  21. Jairam Ganpat

    The direct and indirect characterization can give very different perspectives to what type of person the character is. Direct characterization gives you a more personal point of view of how the character perceives him to be while indirect characterization is from the third person and gives another character’s opinion on what other characters are like. “This island's mine, by Sycorax my mother.”(Act 1 scene 2 line 390) Although no one else would see him like this, Caliban believes that he is the true heir to the island. This is a form of direct characterization because it is Caliban speaking about himself and it is a primary source towards who he is. The other people on the island don’t take him as seriously as he would like to be though, “Hagseed hence! Fetch us in fuel.” (Act 1 Scene 2 line 440 to 441) Prospero sees him as just a slave and forces him to do his bidding. That was an example of indirect characterization because it is a thought from another character’s perspective. “All the infections that the sun sucks up From bogs, fens, flats, on Prosper fall and make him By inch-meal a disease! His spirits hear me And yet I needs must curse. But they'll nor pinch, Fright me with urchin--shows, pitch me i' the mire, Nor lead me, like a firebrand, in the dark Out of my way, unless he bid 'em;” (act 2 scene 2 lines 1 to 7). This quote shows his harsh and aggressive nature. He wishes many diseases upon his master Prospero and is an example of direct characterization. Some of the things that Caliban says can also prove how unaware he is of the rest of the world. “Hast thou not dropped from heaven?” (Act 2 Scene 2 line 142) This quote displays Caliban’s ignorance for foolishly mistaking Stephano as a God.
    If I could act out as Caliban, I’d rather act him out from a direct point of view. This would show off his rebellious nature towards the other characters instead of being a poor slave.

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  23. I as well plan on portraying Caliban as Ken and Elijah would. It seems natural to put in both Direct and indirect characterization with a character who's thoughts are so far from what people truly believe him as. I think Caliban would most likely be played as a monologue with some moments where he second guesses himself at some point.

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  24. Mandy--I agree with you that Prospero calls Caliban a slave because Caliban is Prospero's slave. With a person that doesn't know Caliban they might not think Caliban's a slave. So I think it would be better if you put like a description of how people see Caliban. You could put when Trinculo sees Caliban for the first time.

    Jairam--Caliban is the ture heir to the island.

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  25. Kevin
    Caliban most certianly shows some "mean features" or cynical behavior. The quotes he has used are great examples of how Caliban shows cynical behavior of mean features.

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  26. It is true that Caliban has mixed personalities. I guess it just depends on who he's talking to. So I agree with Ken, Elijah, and Jiarum. Also, Taylor you do have a point with Caliban being mean, but again he is only mean to certian people.

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  27. The indirect and direct characterization differ. Many people view Caliban very poorly. Prospero shows no respect for Caliban since he is his slave, " What, ho!Slave!Caliban!Thou earth, thou!Speak!"(Act1 sc.2 line375). Also he addresses Caliban as a "Poisonous slave" (Act1 sc.2 line384) and threatens him "tonight thou shalt ahve cramps, side-stiches that shall pen thy breath up."(Act1 sc.2 line391). Stephano doesnt view him any differently and simply wants to tame him to make a profit out of him. However, Calbian views himself differently. Caliban knows he must obey his rulers and that he is physically weak since he cries "Oh! he do not torment me. (Act2 sc.2 line58)" Despites this he claims to be the rightful owner, "This island's mine, by Sycorax my mother." (Act 1 scene 2 line 390). Also Caliban views himself as a resourceful person and thinks has alot to offer since he knows the island best, "I'll show thee every fertile inch o' th' island" (Act2 sc.2 line154). He's always offering someone to be his master by bribing them with his knowledge of the island.

    2) If I were to perform Caliban I would try to sound tired and miserable since he's always someones slave. Also I would try to look as messy as possible since he clearly looks like a monster.

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