Caliban

“Caliban”

 “You taught me language; and my profit on’t Is, I know how to curse. The red plague rid you For learning me your language!”

 Act 1, Scene 2, The Tempest

Caliban, the quintessential colonial subject is made to learn the master’s language by Prospero. But he learns to swears and subvert power. Prospero ties him and forces him to work for him and his daughter. 

The painting depicts the birth of Caliban in a cave-like realm of language. He is equipping himself to beat the ‘Master’ in his own game. 

Calibans of the world, unite!