Colonialism and Shakesphere

Magic generally can be a benevolent form of magic or it could be used to bring harm or ill will for people. What distinguishes white magic from black magic? What makes Glenda the good witch from the Wizard of Oz different from the wicked witch of the west ? white magic is usually viewed as positive force while black magic is considered to be a negative force. Visions of intoxicated ,wild-haired men and women dancing around a statue of some primitive Goddess or god, sacrificing animals, sticking pins in dolls all to bring harm to antoher person or gain power are all associated with black magic. This is a kind of magic is generally associated as a practice that is common to the abrigonal societies. Back in Shakesperean times magic was viewed as something that is not to be trusted for it contradicted the teachings of Christianity where God is the sole authority and trying to control events, nature is perceived as demonic. Real life howver is not black and white and what would normally should work in theory ends up not working out in real life. Prospero the protagonist in the Temepst has repeatedly used his magic to control and oppress people whom he felt was inferior to him just as the different European imperialists have enslaved and coverted people who were darker skinned , the "other". Prospero is an embodiment of all the colonists who felt that it was their divine right to take over the native people's land and indoctrinate them with their religious and political ideologies . Just as the imperialists have used their intleiigence to capture and enslave the the natives , Prospero also used his intelligence and the knowledge he has acquired through performing different austerities to control Caliban and Ariel. Prospero's attitude and his justification for enslaving and oppressing the people of the Island makes him person who used his magic as a negatively for his own gain force rather than a positive force.

During the renessiance despite the opposition from the church, many white magicians practiced their magic claiming that their magic creates within the soul a desire to wish good for all humankind and to bring you closer to God. ( Mebane, 26). Woodman supports this saying that magic could only draw one closer to God .( 26). He also supports the notion that magic is an act that takes the well being of others into consideration. ( 38). According to Woodman the white magicians in Shakesperean times also used magic as a way to heal using plants, animals and minerals. (50) He also explains how some of the characters in his plays serves as miracle workers who fit the role of a white magician. In Romeo and Juliet he states that Friar Laurence is a character that fall under the category of a white magician although he doesn't explicitly state that he is a white magician. ( 54-55). Sokol offers a slightly different approach stating that magic in those times was very confusing and the lines between balck and white magic is often muddled by conflicting theories and opinions. Normally the relationship between Ariel and Prospero for example was considered a good relationship. Sokol refutes that sayting that it is not as pure as appearances would suggest. ( Sokol, 11)

According to Mebane a magician who is working for God has the power to cure diseases, peroform miracles and all which is for the highest good or to give glory to God.

Woodman also claims that Prospero is a white magician who is disciplined and conjures up spirits of heaven and enslaved the Caliban whom he claims is devil incarnate. Propsperos magic is more pristine, more divine contrasting with the savage black magic of Caliban and his mother. He talks Prospero's dedication and self-discipline that gives him the powers to have dominon over nature, people and events.( 74). An article in Renneykhart looks at in a different perspective. The article challenges Woodwards concept of Prospero as a white magician by