The magical atmosphere Shakespeare creates in The Tempest is one of the play's defining qualities and, according to critics, this element of magic pervades many of the primary themes in the work. While the topic allows for a wide range of interpretation, it is most often associated with the opposing forces of illusion and reality and the theme of reconciliation. Robert Egan discusses this point by equating Prospero's magic with the artist's molding of reality into something that more closely resembles his moral vision. Thus, Prospero manipulates the natural world as a means to reform, punish, and instruct the other inhabitants of the island, from Caliban to Alonso. Barbara Traister also emphasizes the qualities of the magician as artist, in this case as a director in control of the action. Not only does Prospero manage his.....
This is a free excerpt of 135 words. This section contains 6,100 words. This
study guide contains 72,757 words (approx. 243 pages at 300
words per page).
Read the rest of this Literature Guide with our The Tempest Access Pass.
