Despite that some viewers may take the violence played just for their enjoyment, the violence among the characters contributes to the meaning of the complete work through several characters, but most importantly Gloucester, Edgar, Edmund, and of course King Lear. Gloucester's physical blinding and gouging of the eyeballs, carried out by Cornwall, is no doubt extremely graphic and violent, but does add important meaning to the tragedy. ... It was he/That made the overture of thy treasons to us,/ Who is too good to pity thee" (3.7.165). ... Shakespeare sends an important meaning to the a...

• Word Count: 1119
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

Greer (1986) reminds us that Shakespeare uses the word "nature" often, but rarely with the same meaning. ... He does not feel that the gods are necessary to explain Edmund's treason or Cornwall's brutality. ... He thinks that there is a natural ebb and flow in human fortunes, meaning that even the worst situation can become better (Greer, 1986). ...

• Word Count: 1734
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

Astrology, mythology, nature and science all find their way into William Shakespeare's plays. Astrological imagery and references about the power of nature are prevalent throughout King Lear. Shakespeare divined planetary prophesy and natural catastrophic events and otherworldly metaphors extensivel...

• Word Count: 1633
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School