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Summary The role of magic in William Shakespeare's "The Tempest"
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Essay summarizing the greatly important and influential role of magic in William Shakespeare's "The Tempest".
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The role of magic in "The Tempest"Magic plays a central role in William Shakespeare's "The Tempest". The character of Prospero, the
former Duke of Milan who is now the rightful ruler of the island, is depicted as a powerful magician
who wields magic to control and manipulate the other characters on the island. The role of magic in
"The Tempest" serves to highlight the ways in which magic can be used to exert control and influence
over others, as well as to explore the themes of power and authority.
Prospero's mastery of magic is a central aspect of his character and serves to establish him as a
powerful and authoritative figure on the island. He uses his magic to manipulate and control the other
characters, including Caliban, Ariel, and the Italian nobles who have been shipwrecked on the island.
Through his use of magic, Prospero is able to influence the events of the play and ensure that they
unfold according to his will.
The play explores the themes of power and authority by highlighting the ways in which magic can be
used to exert control and influence over others. Through his mastery of magic, Prospero is able to
control the other characters on the island and ensure that they act according to his desires. This serves
to raise important questions about the nature of power and authority and the ways in which it can be
used to manipulate and control others.
In addition to exploring the themes of power and authority, the role of magic in "The Tempest" also
serves to explore the theme of redemption. Prospero uses his magic to bring about a resolution to the
conflicts that have arisen on the island, and through this resolution he is able to achieve a sense of
redemption. He is depicted as being repentant for his past misdeeds, and his use of magic to bring
about resolution serves to highlight his newfound wisdom and understanding.
The role of magic in "The Tempest" is also closely tied to the theme of illusion. Prospero's use of
magic creates illusions that deceive the other characters on the island, including the Italian nobles and
Caliban. These illusions serve to heighten the sense of magic and wonder that pervades the play, and
they also serve to explore the theme of illusion in a broader sense, highlighting the ways in which
appearances can be deceiving.
In conclusion, the role of magic in "The Tempest" serves to highlight the ways in which magic can be
used to exert control and influence over others, as well as to explore the themes of power and
authority, redemption, and illusion. Through his mastery of magic, Prospero is depicted as a powerful
and authoritative figure who wields magic to control and manipulate the other characters on the
island. The play suggests that magic must be used wisely and responsibly in order to avoid causing
harm to others, and raises important questions about the nature of power and authority and the ways in
which it can be used to manipulate and control others.
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