In the Tempest, Was Caliban a Sympathetic Character?

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In the Tempest, Was Caliban a Sympathetic Character? Why or Why Not?
Shakespeare’s The Tempest is a classic play addressing several themes, including betrayal, forgiveness, love, and magic. The play features several characters with different backgrounds, attitudes, and varying worldviews. Their interactions help create tension and conflicts that help in highlighting the important themes in the play and aiding character development (Guo 14). A unique character that is instrumental in the progression of the play is Caliban. He is an orphan since his mother, Sycorax the witch, had passed away, and his father is unknown. Caliban is also the only inhabitant of the island before the arrival of Prospero. The fact that much of the action in the Tempest takes place on the island places Caliban is at the center of every development. Through his interactions with Prospero and other characters, the audience gets to know and understand Caliban’s character. He is depicted as vulgar, abusive, uncivilized, naive, and savage (Guo 14). Furthermore, Caliban is portrayed as being ungrateful and repulsive. Therefore, given his background, circumstances, and character that epitomizes a general lack of remorse, Caliban cannot be perceived as a sympathetic character in The Tempest.
Caliban’s background as an uncivilized orphan and an alone inhabitant of the island significantly influenced his character and mindset. He was born of a witch, and his father is unknown. This complex background indicates that Caliban’s fate was to be barbaric (Guo 15). Garneau et al. (426) describes Caliban as a product of nature and is, therefore, uncontrolled and wild. He is uncivilized and unexposed to the outside world. It is not easy for the audience to sympathize with him given this background because it is his fate. His decisions and choices through his interactions with other characters reflect how his background and past had shaped him. Through his interactions with Prospero, it becomes evident that Caliban was incorrigible and could not appreciate the education and kindness Prospero showed him. Caliban was not willing to adopt any acceptable code of conduct. Caliban is not even willing to cooperate, considering the many endeavors Prospero offers to him. Prospero educates Caliban and even goes a step ahead to offer shelter to him in his cave. Through such, Prospero demonstrates absolute generosity, care, and much compassion. Shockingly, Caliban takes Prospero for granted. He even underestimates Prospero’s magical power and has an aggressive trait.
Caliban’s lack of sympathy is also demonstrated through his attempt to rape Miranda. Miranda spotted a lonely Caliban and befriended him. In return and unsympathetically, Caliban only thought of raping her. This offending and disgusting behavior shows a lack of sympathy and hatred. He makes us question his sense of morality. Considering Prospero’s considerable care and kindness, at least Caliban would have displayed even the minimal sense of sympathy while handling Miranda (Shakespeare). A brisk and unreasonable attempt to rape Miranda shows a lack of self-control. The reader can now begin to develop suspi...