Caliban's Return

Act 5 Scene 1 – Key Scene

At Prospero’s command, Ariel has released Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo and led them to where Prospero is talking to Alonso and the other nobles. Stephano and Trinculo seem relieved to be reunited with their masters. Caliban is amazed to see the nobles and thinks they are spirits. He tells Prospero he is sorry. Prospero sends all three to work, tidying up his home.

You can take a look at an extract from this scene here. Using these steps, remember to look at it line by line and if you’re looking at the scene for the first time don’t worry if you don’t understand everything at once.

• Look

  Take a look at the scene. Who has the most lines? Who uses prose and who uses verse? Actors at the RSC often put the language into their own words to help them understand what they are saying. We’ve added some definitions (in green), questions (in red) and paraphrased some sections (in blue) to help with this. You can click on the text that is highlighted for extra guidance.

  Close

  Alonso

  Is not this Stephano, my drunken butler?

  Sebastian

  He is drunk now: where had he wine?

  Alonso

  And Trinculo is reeling ripe:
  How camest thou in this pickle?

  Close

  Trinculo is staggering around from drinking too much and he smells. How did you get into this situation?

  Trinculo

  I have been in such a pickle since I saw you last that, I fear me, will never out of my bones.

  Sebastian

  Why, how now, Stephano!

  Stephano

  O, touch me not; I am not Stephano, but a cramp.

  Close

  Full of pain

  Prospero

  You'ld be king o' the isle, sirrah?

  Stephano

  I should have been a sore one then.

  Sebastian

  Ha, ha! What things are these, my lord Antonio? Will money buy 'em?

  Antonio

  Very like; one of them
  Is a plain fish, and, no doubt, marketable.

  Close

  This is the first time Antonio speaks after seeing Prospero. What does he say and how do you think he feels at this moment?

  Alonso

  This is a strange thing as e'er I look'd on.

  Prospero

  He is as disproportion'd in his manners
  As in his shape.
  His mother was a witch, and one so strong
  That could control the moon. These three have robb'd me;
  And this demi-devil for he’s a bastard one, had plotted with them
  To take my life.
  Two of these fellows you
  Must know and own; this thing of darkness I
  Acknowledge mine.

  Alonso

  Hence, and bestow your luggage where you found it.

  Sebastian

  Or stole it, rather.

  Caliban

  (As they exit) What a thrice-double ass
  Was I, to take this drunkard for a god
  And worship this dull fool!

  Close

  How do you think Caliban feels at this moment? Is he sorry for plotting against Prospero or sorry he chose the wrong man to follow?

  Exit STEPHANO, and TRINCULO.

  Caliban

  I shall be pinch'd to death.

  (Text edited for rehearsals by Gregory Doran)
• Listen

  Read the scene aloud. Are there any words, phrases, or lines that stand out to you?

• Imagine

  Explore some images from past versions of this moment at the RSC. Which sets and staging choices for this scene feel right to you?