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Year 7

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

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

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New
New
Year 7

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

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

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

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.

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.

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.

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.
Teacher tip

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 peer pressure or bullying

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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Starter quiz

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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

Exit quiz

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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

inhuman

Correct Answer:'bite',animalistic and violent

animalistic and violent

Correct Answer:'lick',animalistic and inferior

animalistic and inferior