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      Considering Caliban as an outsider in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain Caliban’s position as an outsider in society.

      Key learning points

      1. Arguably, Caliban’s language and actions demonstrate that he sees himself as someone who isn’t equal and doesn’t belong.
      2. Some would argue Caliban acts in an animalistic manner, which further sets him apart from society.
      3. Stephano and Trinculo’s language positions Caliban as an outsider.

      Keywords

      • Outsider - An outsider is someone who is not liked or accepted to a particular group or society and feels different from them.

      • Animalistic - Being animalistic means having the characteristics of animals particularly in terms of aggression.

      • Ultimately - You can use the word ultimately to emphasise the end of your argument.

      • Arguably - Arguably can be used when you’re stating an opinion or belief that you believe can be shown to be true.

      Common misconception

      That an argument needs to present a balanced viewpoint for both sides of the argument.

      An argument needs to give your reasons behind your answer to the question.

      Teacher tip

      You could extend the question out to 'The Tempest' as a whole and bring in Caliban's interactions with Prospero as well as his interactions with Stephano and Trinculo in Act 2, Scene 2.

      Equipment

      You may want a copy of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' for this lesson.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      If someone is described as an 'outsider' then it implies that they .

      get along with everyone
      are well liked
      are an angry person
      Correct answer: don't belong in a particular group

      Q2.
      If a group of people describe an individual using negative language then that implies the individual .

      is well liked
      belongs in the group
      Correct answer: is an outsider
      is an aggressive person

      Q3.
      In Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', Caliban is considered an outsider. This implies the other characters use language to describe him.

      Correct answer: negative
      positive
      neutral
      complimentary

      Q4.
      In Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', Caliban offers to serve Stephano when he first meets him. This implies that Caliban .

      thinks highly of himself
      Correct answer: doesn't have a high self-worth
      knows Stephano is a kind person

      Q5.
      If you create an argument in response to a question then you .

      plan out your answer
      Correct answer: offer a set of reasons to prove your ideas
      offer a balanced set of for and against reasons

      Q6.
      If you say someone is 'animalistic' then it suggests .

      they are physically strong
      Correct answer: they have animal characteristics
      they think of themselves as an animal

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      When someone uses 'ultimately' in their answer you would assume that they ...

      are at the start of their answer.
      are in the middle of their answer.
      Correct answer: are at the end of their answer.

      Q2.
      What did 'moon-calf' mean in Shakespeare's time?

      Correct answer: a person born under a full moon
      a well-liked person
      someone aggressive

      Q3.
      In Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', Trinculo mocks Caliban for calling Stephano a 'Lord'. What does this imply?

      He's surprised Caliban can speak English.
      Correct answer: He doesn't think Caliban is human enough to use such language.
      He thinks that Stephano is not a Lord.

      Q4.
      Which of the following are potential reasons for Caliban being considered an outsider in 'The Tempest'?

      He can't use magic.
      Correct answer: He uses animalistic language.
      Correct answer: He doesn't see himself as equal to the others.
      He plots with Stephano and Trinculo to overthrow Prospero.

      Q5.
      In Act 3, Scene 2 of 'The Tempest', which of the following does Caliban's use of animalistic language suggest?

      He's physically fast.
      Correct answer: He is less human than the other characters.
      The other characters don't like him.
      He has low self-worth.

      Q6.
      Match the quote from Act 3, Scene 2 of the 'The Tempest' with the connotations.

      Correct Answer:'monster',inhuman
      Correct Answer:'bite',animalistic and violent
      Correct Answer:'lick',animalistic and inferior

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