Structure The structure of the play in both adaptations is richly complicated due to the tragic basis of Shakespeare's play. ... The structure of the play depends on the separation of the tragedy in 5 Acts. ... This act sets the scene and builds up to the disarray and climax of the following Acts. ... The structure of Act 4 and Act 5 are similar in execution for both productions. ... This occurs in Act 5 where the catastrophe and tragic end of the play unfolds. ...

• Word Count: 2146
• Approx Pages: 9

In The Tragedy of King Lear, William Shakespeare draws our support for his villains as well as his heroes, asking us to explore what drives someone to action. ... Shakespeare tests our sensibilities in letting us meet his villains intimately through their soliloquies. ... The genre of King Lear is unquestionably tragedy: tragic because of the absence of love within these five acts. ... Shakespeare leaves his readers to wonder whether it is Gloucester's own fault, as the irresponsible father, that Edmund has turned against him. ... Says Goneril, "Pluck out his eyes" (III.vii.4-5). ...

• Word Count: 2076
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School