Along with the possession of the island he assumes control of whatever and whoever inhabits the island. This trend is also seen in the numerous accounts of European settlers voyaging to the New World and capturing the natives to use them as slaves. Antonio Vieira, a Jesuit father, condemned this and believed that it was God's will for slaves to be free and anyone who takes away one's freedom should go to hell. He quotes, "Any man who deprives others of their freedom and being able to restore that freedom does not do so is condemned" (from "Vieira's Sermon Condemning Indian Slavery). Prospero robs Caliban of his island and of his freedom. He has the ability to restore Caliban's freedom and island, yet he does not. .
The innocence of Caliban, however, can also be questioned. Prospero does not enslave him without reason. He demands service from Caliban on the basis that he attempts to rape his daughter. " till though didst seek to violate / The honour of my child" (1.2.344). Prospero's argument is that he tries to educate Caliban and to help him, but in return, Caliban tries to take advantage of his daughter. Servitude is thus Prospero's way for Caliban to pay penance. Indeed, Caliban should be punished for his wrongdoing, but whether Prospero should do it and how much punishment is deserved is not for Prospero to decide. In present day, when a felon is caught for attempted rape, he is punished and serves time in prison. He may have to do services and live in poor conditions. However, the government consisting of numerous people decides these sentences. True, in Prospero's time and place, it may have been the business of the victim to punish the criminal; however, Prospero's punishment for Caliban is not entirely for justice, but also for his advantage. The purpose for prison sentences is for justice and for the correction of the criminal. Prospero's sentence was not of this purpose. .
Authority is defined as one who has acquired power over another.