Magic is the foundation of The Tempest. Prospero, the protagonist, reacts and acts (forming most of the play’s action) based on his ability with his "art." This is a really deliberate distinction: Prospero’s magic is not the stuff of tricks and illusions, but an art form. Magic is tied to both nature and the divine world, yet it doesn’t supersede the role of either fully. Instead, magic works together with each realm to fantastic effect. Sometimes magic seems like natural coincidence (the storm, for instance), but at other points it is the work of divine providence, particularly given how neatly the conflicts are resolved. Thus magic helps the story along, but throughout the play it provides something greater than a simple plotline: magic infuses the play with a sense of wonder.
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Prospero thinks of magic as distinct but equal in power to natural and divine forces.
Prospero thinks his art is inferior to either natural or divine work – thus his magic primarily relies on illusion.
