Caliban: The Savage in The Tempest Caliban, the deformed savage of the island since his first appearance in the play, is more animal than human. Prospero first refers to Caliban as "tortoise" (1.2.318). This sets the tone for Caliban's character in the play as he is labeled as a half-beast in the play. But it is interesting to note that, despite his deformed body and animalistic appearance, Caliban possesses a remarkable eloquence that gives him power. Prospero, a Renaissance prince, even with his silken speech equals Caliban only in eloquence. In a certain sense this dichotomy between Caliban's appearance in the play and his extraordinary gift for language creates a magical and mysterious atmosphere in the play. This complicates the relationship between Caliban and Prospero because, although Prospero claims to possess his wild, his wild does not speak like one who is possessed. Caliban from his first appearance in the play speaks with remarkable eloquence despite his warped image: "As evil dew as ever my mother touched / With raven's feather from unhealthy swamps / It falls on both!" (1.2.324-326). These lines show how Caliban speaks in the same eloquent language that Prospero speaks. His verses are long and his words are full of images: "cursed dew", "unhealthy swamp", "crow's feather". Caliban in the play never seems to be at a loss for words when describing his situation. Later, in Act 1, scene 2, Caliban describes how the island was once his. Caliban serves as a tour guide for the reader by describing the island's water, berries, toads, and beetles. In this passage through language Caliban once again manages to recreate the past in which he was not a slave. Caliban despite his position as Prospero's slave in the physical world in the world of language, Caliban is Prospero's equal. For this reason, when we stage the passage of Caliban, we must recreate this mysterious dynamic between Caliban and Prospero. Caliban must appear as a beast more resembling an animal than a human being. But he should also exude a hidden power befitting his eloquent speech. In Act 3 Scene 2 Caliban speaks to Stephen and Trinculo with a magical rhythm that incorporates images of dreams and air. For this reason, when staging this scene, Caliban should be a wild-looking beast who speaks with an eloquent voice. Additionally the lights should be focused on his cowering, animalistic figure to give him a semblance of power. Caliban should move with slow, deliberate steps and not with the wild gestures of a mad beast. Because Caliban is not a mad beast but a wise creature. He should also appear old to fit his image of being wise and powerful. In the passage Caliban speaks of his memories: "Be not afraid; the isle is full of noises/Sounds and sweet airs, that give joy and do no harm/Sometimes a thousand tinkling instruments" (3.2.130-132). These memories that Caliban speaks of convey both Caliban's eloquence and the years of life on the island. By creating a dichotomy between Caliban's form and his use of language we can create a strange dynamic that places Prospero in the physical world above Caliban but in the world of magic and speech on the same level. This is consistent with the atmosphere of the island which is a place of confusion, chaos and magic. Caliban is the nexus of these changing forces and the staging of his character should represent these seemingly opposing forces that give Caliban his power..