Final Answer:
A Jacobean audience would have a suspicious attitude toward Prospero's magic, and it is, therefore, no surprise that he breaks his staff and discards his magic books by the end of the play. Alchemy was the scientific study of turning base metals into gold, which was still practiced in the 17th century. Shakespeare's contemporary Ben Jonson wrote a play based on alchemical themes.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the provided text, the mention of a Jacobean audience's suspicion toward Prospero's magic in Shakespeare's play suggests a cultural context. The resolution of Prospero breaking his staff and discarding his magic books aligns with the audience's skepticism about magic during the Jacobean era.
The reference to alchemy, the scientific study of turning base metals into gold, highlights a prevalent scientific pursuit in the 17th century. Alchemy had both mystical and practical aspects and continued to be practiced during this period.
The mention of Ben Jonson, a contemporary of Shakespeare, writing a play based on alchemical themes underscores the influence of alchemy on literature of that time. This provides insight into the broader cultural and intellectual milieu of the Jacobean era.