Comment on the master-servant relationship in The Tempest.

The relationship between Prospero and Caliban is one of
the more intriguing relationships in Shakespeare's work. Many critics argue that in this
master/servant relationship we see a model of the relationship between the colonial
powers and the colonised, subjugated slaves of the New World, which was of course of key
concern to the audience of Shakespeare's day.

Caliban is
described in the play as a "savage and deformed slave," with the word "savage" referring
to Caliban's wild and uncivilised nature rather than any cruelty on his part. We need to
remember, though, that the descriptions we receive of Caliban emerge from those who have
enslaved and debased him. Thus it is that Prospero refers to him as "This mis-shapen
knave," and others insultingly refer to him as a "fish" and a "beast." Thus it is that
Shakespeare presents us with an age-old tactic of disempowerment: debasing a person by
use of language to aid in their subjugation. Again, the history of Caliban that we are
given is provided by Prospero, who is hardly unbiased. Although such items of history as
Caliban's attempt to rape Miranda are confirmed by Caliban himself, we are left
wondering what precisely is the truth concerning the relationship between Caliban and
Prospero and more interestingly, what does this relationship suggest about the
relationship between colonial powers such as England and their new colonies.