The exploration of the magus in Renaissance literature highlights the complex interplay between magic, morality, and power. Characters like Prospero in Shakespeare's The Tempest embody the duality of the magician as both a force for good and a figure of moral ambiguity. Prospero's mastery of magical arts allows him to manipulate events on the island, yet his quest to restore goodness is complicated by his own flawed perceptions of morality. This analysis delves into how the portrayal of magicians reflects the era's fascination with natural magic and the ethical dilemmas faced by its practitioners.
