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 fellow players by enchanting them, he also manipulates others through the...