Class Discussion 8 - Coursework Example

How sympathetic are you toward Caliban?  Do you think that any sympathy is intentional on the part of Shakespeare?In a bid to ensure the readers or viewers follow a play or a story keenly, the use of emotions forms part of art. With a clear understanding of this importance, William Shakespeare included emotions in most of the plays this actor-cum-play-writer did. In the Tempest play, several participants are portrayed in a way that makes the story captivating. In the case of Caliban, the reader cannot help it, but pity and somehow loathe the character in equal measure.

Sympathy results from the treatment Caliban undergoes in the hands of Prospero. Having been born off a witch called Sycorax; Caliban’s father is thought to be the devil.While I do pity Caliban because he has no freedom owing to the manipulation by Prospero through magic, the formers decision-making makes it almost impossible to be significantly sympathetic. For instance, having plotted to kill his adversary, Prospero, Caliban makes a ridiculous judgment by trusting two of his drunken friends to help with the plan.

However, sympathy is unavoidable when it becomes apparent that Caliban lacks the ability to comprehend the circumstances, including the people surrounding him. Also, the character finds sympathy whenever claims that Prospero deceived Caliban, and took the island. Even though it is not clear how the accused did, the pain with which Caliban explains the situation makes almost impossible to overlook pitying him. Because of having prior knowledge that many readers prefer a story with some emotions, the writer encompassed them into this story.

For that reason, it is evident that none of the emotional scenes in the Shakespeare’s story was accidental. Rather, it was well crafted stories aimed at ensuring readers develop some connections with the material.