Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
caliban
noun
/ˈkælɪbæn/
Definition
Caliban is a character from William Shakespeare’s play ‘The Tempest.’ He is often perceived as a symbol of the ‘savage’ nature of humanity and is sometimes interpreted as a representation of colonial subjects.
Examples
- In discussions about the themes of ‘The Tempest,’ some scholars argue that Caliban represents the darker side of human nature.
- She felt like a Caliban in a world of cultured elites, struggling to find her place.
Meaning
In a broader sense, ‘caliban’ denotes a person who is perceived as brutish or subhuman, often reflecting themes of civilization versus savagery.
Synonyms
- brute
- barbarian
- savage
- uncivilized being
