The Tempest Research Paper

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Magic and the Supernatural in The Tempest In The Tempest two different types of magic are explored, one being the art of evil through the use of Black Magic, and the other being the study of meta-physics and the unknown through the use of White Magic. The ‘black aspect of magic is revealed through the merely alluded to character of the evil witch Sycorax. The ‘white’ aspect of magic is revealed through the well-developed character of Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan. The good aspect of magic is developed to a much greater extent than the evil aspect of magic. Prospero uses his great intelligence to win himself greater power. The attributes of magic used by Prospero are his robe, his wand, and his books which…show more content…
The supernatural spirits summoned by Ariel can be classified as those of fire, air, water, and earth. Fire is evoked in lightning and the forms taken by Ariel as flames on the masts of the ship. The spirits of the air, which include Ariel, are of the highest type. The music, noises, thunder, sounds, and sweet airs which flood the island pertain also to the air. A reference to these is given by…show more content…
Sometimes a thousands twangling instruments will hum about mine ears; and sometime voices, that, if I then had waked after a long sleep, will make me sleep again; and then, in dreaming the clouds me thought would open and show riches ready to drop upon me, that, when I waked, I cried to dream again. (Act III, Sc. Ii, 140-43) Water spirits and elves of the brooks and streams are called upon in Act IV, Sc. i, to “bestow upon the eyes of the young couple some vanity of Prospero’s art.1” The spirits of the earth are the goblins, the dogs and hounds used to plague and punish Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano. Another type of magic used by Prospero with the aid of Ariel is the production and disappearance of the banquet, the fine garments used to tempt the fools, the arrival and dance of the spirits, and the circle about Prospero’s cave where the courtiers are held charmed. Prospero uses his magic and his control over the supernatural element to regain his Dukedom, punish those who are evil, and reconcile those capable of repentance. Prospero at the end of the play rejects his magic so he can return to society: I’ll break my staff, bury it certain fathoms in the earth, and deeper than did ever plummet sound I’ll drown my

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