Shakespeare introduces the conflict between them regarding who is the rightful owner of the island. Both claim their ownership to the island for different reasons, Prospero believes that education, culture, and intellect is enough to claim his authority, while Caliban claims that the island is his property, is inherited from his mother Sycorax. This symbolizes that either character will continue to use their way of thinking to entice others to assist in their quest of either conquering back the island in Caliban’s claim or continue to govern it as is Prospero’s claim.

Caliban mentions how he originally was friendly and assisted in Prospero setting himself up in the island and showed him all the glorious wonders the island has. Caliban sees his actions of kindness as something that was taken advantage of and that Prospero betrayed him by proceeding to use the island’s wonders to enslave him.

Prospero however describes his actions towards Caliban as justified, that he provided Caliban with mutual benefit of knowledge and wisdom. He argues without his wisdom, Caliban would not be able to govern the island correctly and that is why he chose to rule over him and the spirits. Prospero sees Caliban as beneath him, makes him his slave and believes his teaching Caliban how to speak was enough for Caliban to be able to see him as a great leader.