"This Rough Magic" is a novel written by Mary Stewart, a British author known for her romantic suspense novels. The story is set on the Greek island of Corfu and revolves around a young actress named Lucy Waring. Lucy unexpectedly finds herself caught up in a web of mystery and danger when she comes across a dead body while out swimming one day. The novel follows Lucy as she becomes involved with a group of individuals who are working together to smuggle ancient artifacts out of Greece. As Lucy becomes entangled in their activities, she also becomes the target of their enemies who will stop at nothing to protect their illicit operation. Amidst all the danger and intrigue, Lucy finds herself falling in love with a talented musician named Julian, who is also caught up in the dangerous world of smuggling.
I think that in order to get to the bottom of this delightfully strange play, we have to look at where it came from. Unlike many of Shakespeare’s works, there is no single source for The Tempest. The plot is original to him, but scholars believe that he may have been inspired by a series of sources. Let’s take a look at a couple of them and see what they can tell us.
Like The Tempest , the Commedia includes a scheming aristocrat meddling in the marriage prospects of his angelic daughter, a pair of drunken fools, and lovers whose desires drive the plot. Yet its proximity to Albania drives some of its impoverished residents into risky smuggling, and the aggression of the Communist bloc is an inescapable threat.
Amidst all the danger and intrigue, Lucy finds herself falling in love with a talented musician named Julian, who is also caught up in the dangerous world of smuggling. Their relationship adds an additional layer of complication and uncertainty as they navigate the treacherous waters of love and deceit. "This Rough Magic" is not only a suspenseful thriller but also a love story that beautifully describes the idyllic setting of Corfu.
The Rough Magic that Shaped Shakespeare's Tempest
Alexis Morehead and JR Jahn play Miranda and Alonso in The Tempest. Photo by Kelly Crittendon.
Shakespeare’s The Tempest is a bit of an odd play.
Strictly speaking, it’s a comedy simply because it ends happily; wrongs are righted, families are reunited, and a young couple comes together to lead their newfound community into a brighter age. And it’s not that it’s not funny—it has all of Shakespeare’s trademark drunken fools and cheeky self-awareness to fill out its fantastical plot. In its time, though, The Tempest challenged the traditions of Renaissance comedy by presenting a story that is neither particularly witty nor defined by comic accidents of misfortune. Instead, it’s something more like a fairy tale, with spirits and magic and handsome princes wandering in the woods. It is, in turn, solemn and enchanting, philosophical and dreamlike, full of beauty and sadness, and characters that are almost too human to bear.
Market Theatre’s Ariel played by Jordan Davis. Photo by Kelly Crittendon.
What explains this peculiar play? It’s tempting to imagine it as an aging Shakespeare’s farewell to the world of the stage; it was, after all, one of the last plays he wrote by himself, and it’s riddled with reflective passages about theater and art and the way all things must end. Honestly, though, I think that explanation is slightly too tidy. The Tempest ultimately focuses on the future rather than the past; it’s just that Shakespeare wouldn’t be Shakespeare if he didn’t take every opportunity to remind us of the smallness of our lives.
I think that in order to get to the bottom of this delightfully strange play, we have to look at where it came from. Unlike many of Shakespeare’s works, there is no single source for The Tempest. The plot is original to him, but scholars believe that he may have been inspired by a series of sources. Let’s take a look at a couple of them and see what they can tell us.
Pantalone mask by trained mask maker Alan G. Newman. From Second Face Museum of Cultural Masks.
In classic Shakespearean fashion, the Italian Commedia dell’arte was a big influence on the cast of characters and the basic premise of the story. Like The Tempest, the Commedia includes a scheming aristocrat meddling in the marriage prospects of his angelic daughter, a pair of drunken fools, and lovers whose desires drive the plot. Pulling stock characters from the Commedia was commonplace among playwrights of the time, but here Shakespeare uses them to spectacular effect. He takes the traditional types and throws them together in the “brave new world” of the island, turning what might have been a traditional comedy of manners into an exploration of forgiveness, family, and humanity. Ultimately, his use of the Commedia as a basis for his story shows that he knew what his audience wanted to see, but he also knew that the best way to tell the story was to start somewhere familiar.
The Tempest Act I, Scene II as depicted by George Romney. From the LUNA: Folger Digital Image Collection.
Another source believed to have inspired parts of the story is an account of a real-life shipwreck off the coast of Bermuda. In the early days of the Jamestown colony, a ship carrying supplies from England got caught in a hurricane, and those who survived the wreck had to find shelter on a small island that seemed entirely hostile towards them. Undoubtedly, this survivor’s report, which included descriptions of the storm and the natives, captured London’s imagination. It’s entirely likely that Shakespeare, who was always sensitive to the public interest, saw a ship crashing on a mysterious island as the perfect premise for a play.
He drew from a few other sources too—for example, a couple of lines in Act 5 are derived from the Roman poet Ovid’s great work Metamorphoses. Clearly, The Tempest is the masterwork of a well-read and experienced playwright working to form an understanding of the world in which he lived based on the traditions of the past and the new and exciting changes happening around him. More than any simple gesture of farewell, this is Shakespeare at his finest.
Ovid’s Metamorphoses speech that inspired Prospero’s speech in Act V, Scene I. From the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
I hope you’ll come out and discover all of this with us, and I hope I’ve given you some interesting things to think about when you do. You’re certainly in for an entertaining show full of music, laughter, and art. Shakespeare in the Park is one of my favorite Anderson traditions. It’s an opportunity for us to do what the Bard himself did—to bring old and new together in search of a greater truth.
And perhaps, if it’s just a little odd, it’s for the better.
Join us in Carolina Wren Park June 15 - 19, 2023 forThe Tempest. All shows begin at 8 PM. The event is free, but premium reserved seats are available at markettheatre.org/tickets.
Lora Lassiter
Lora Lassiter, dramaturg for The Tempest, is a great lover of Shakespeare and all his works. She’s participated in every single Anderson Shakespeare in the Park performance since the program began in 2015, and she’s thrilled to be onstage again this year as Caliban.
Ovid’s Metamorphoses speech that inspired Prospero’s speech in Act V, Scene I. From the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
The descriptions of the island's natural beauty and its mythical atmosphere add depth and richness to the story. Mary Stewart's vivid and evocative writing style brings the island and its inhabitants to life, making it a captivating and engaging read. As the plot unfolds, Lucy discovers her own strength and resilience as she fights against those who wish her harm. She must rely on her own wits and resourcefulness to survive and protect those she cares about. Throughout the novel, there is a sense of danger and uncertainty, and the reader is kept on edge, eagerly turning the pages to find out what happens next. "This Rough Magic" is a masterfully crafted novel that combines elements of mystery, romance, and adventure. Mary Stewart's ability to create a compelling story and memorable characters sets it apart. The novel is an absorbing read that will keep readers guessing until the very end..
Reviews for "The Illusion of Rough Magic: The Power of Distraction and Misdirection"
1. John - 2 stars - I found "This Rough Magic" to be incredibly slow-paced and lacking in any real excitement. The plot itself seemed promising, but the execution fell flat for me. The characters were underdeveloped and I struggled to connect with any of them. Additionally, the writing style was a bit convoluted and hard to follow at times. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it.
2. Sarah - 3 stars - While "This Rough Magic" had its moments, I ultimately felt let down by the story. The pacing was inconsistent, with long stretches of monotony followed by hurried resolutions. The magical elements felt forced and didn't seamlessly integrate with the plot. The main character's decisions were questionable and I found it hard to root for her. Overall, I believe this book had potential but failed to deliver a truly captivating narrative.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I was hoping for an enchanting and immersive reading experience with "This Rough Magic," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The plot lacked originality and was predictable at times. The romance felt cliché and lacked chemistry. The writing style, though descriptive, failed to engage me and I found myself skimming through paragraphs. Overall, this book failed to leave a lasting impression and I wouldn't recommend it to fellow readers seeking a captivating fantasy novel.