Prospero the magus: a force for good or evil?

• Shakepeare's audience would have been familiar with the figure of the Magus or magician, due to a widespread belief in the existence of a spirit world.

• The Magus would study secret texts to acquire special knowledge and acquire knowledge of the influence of the planets and stars on the human world.

• He would seek complete understanding of the universe, uniting all beliefs (Jewish, Christian and Classical) and understanding the will of God.

• He was a figure of wisdom who sought to act for the good of mankind.

• The Magus was expected to lead a pure and sinless life.

• The Magus was also a scholar of early scientific discovery and the study of navigation was vital to the early voyages to other parts of the globe.

• King James himself wrote a book on magic 'Daemonologie' emonologie' and and it it is is thought Macbeth and its focus on witchcraft would have appealed directly to the King's interests.

• Witchcraft and the work of a magus are seen as different, however. Compare Prospero and Sycorax to see the different attitudes.

• Compare Prospero and Sycorax to see the different attitudes.