There are many types of works of literature. Some(1,2) make us smile, some make us cry and others leave ourselves pondering about all aspects of life. Tragedy is a form of literature that reaches deep into the reader and compels them(3) to feel a certain emotion that that author is trying to transmit in their work. Aristotle states that "Tragedy(4) is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude, in the form of action, not of narrative. Through pity and fear, tragedy affects the proper catharsis, or purgation of emotions." 1 Aristotle further explains that tragedy allows us to pity and sympathize with the (5,6)protagonist, but, (7) it also us to purge or cleanse us of these emotions. Aristotle also says that tragedy is able to do this because it takes a high-born personage, who is basically a good person, and has him (8) make an error of judgment (hamartia). This error in judgment brings about the tragic heroe's (9) downfall, which comes with the heroe's(10) suffering and recognition of his mistake. 2 The play King Lear is considered by many critics (no comma) (11) to be the best tragedies that Shakespeare ever wrote. Some critics also believe that a stage performance of this play does not do justice to the raw power and emotion that King Lear instills in it audience. .
King Lear is set in Pre-Christian England. The respectable king of England, King Lear, wants to divide his kingdom up amongst his three daughters, General, Regan and Cordelier. He tests them all, and finds that one is not suitable to receive a portion of his kingdom. Throughout the entire play, the two daughters, who were granted Lear's kingdom, plot and conspire to take the rest of the little power that their father still has from him. This turn of events leads to the tragic outcome that facilitates these strong emotions that Aristotle say that a tragedy should. By the standards of Aristotle, King Lear (12) is the perfect example of a tragic hero, by means of his hamartia, enlightenment of his mistakes and the strength at which the pathos touches the audience.
The tempest in Act III influences the character King Lear significantly. ... (King Lear P.105). ... But he does blame his "two pernicious daughters"(King Lear P.107) for their betrayal. ... (King Lear P.109). ... He then states "I have one part in my heart / That's sorry yet for thee" (King Lear P.109). ...
Significance of the Subplot in King Lear In an attempt to universalize the travesties endured by the protagonist and tragic hero, Shakespeare incorporates a significant subplot into King Lear. Although the focus clearly lies on the tragic plight of King Lear, the secondary plot involving Gloucester and his offspring mirrors and dramatizes Lear's hopeless situation. ... I love your majesty/According to my bond, no more nor less" (William Shakespeare, King Lear [New York: Penguin Books, 1999, Act I, scene i, lines 91-93.] ... In an effective attempt to universalize King Lear's dil...
This wouldn't fit in with the description of King Lear though. King Lear is said to be in his eighty's. ... If I were King Lear, I would have believed them both. ... King Lear cries and presents his final speech in a solemn tone. ... Regardless, King Lear is still powerful and affects us all. ...
Analysis of "King Lear" Many literary techniques are used to emphasize the theme of the Shakespearean play "King Lear." ... In King Lear, the techniques of imagery, foreshadowing, and irony help to reinforce the drama's theme that people are blind to the truth. ... The fool was trying to tell King Lear that there was trouble amongst his daughters. ... I was king, but I gave away my kingdom. ... They know that Goneril and Reagan will betray Lear, but Lear is not yet aware of this fact. ...
King Lear (1604) deals with the consequences and misjudgments of Lear. ... Lear respondedNothing! ... One where two evil daughters help banish a good daughter in a love test by King Lear. ... In his old age King Lear had divided his kingdom between his daughters, Goneril and Regan, who professed great love for him but then harassed him into madness. ... King Lear died over her body....
King Lear (1604) deals with the consequences and misjudgments of Lear. ... Lear respondedNothing! ... One where two evil daughters help banishes a good daughter in a love test by King Lear. ... In his old age King Lear had divided his kingdom between his daughters, Goneril and Regan, who professed great love for him but then harassed him into madness. ... King Lear died over her body....
King Lear is not only a story of the trials and tribulations of the parent-child relationship, but also one of love, hate, honor and betrayal. ... Among many more lines, King Lear presents the notion of natural law, that man is ordained by the stars as to what and how he will be, and that is our destiny to be what we are. ... A thief can be nothing but a thief, and king none other than a king. ... What is interesting about King Lear is the parallel plot of Lear and his daughters and Gloucester and his sons. ... Once a royal king, now a sick-minded wanderer, he flees into a storm. ...
This especially becomes evident upon the betrayal of King Lear. ... King Lear compares his daughter's attack with the sting of a snake with its tongue. ... The female's morality is developed and their actions are foreshadowed in the opening act, with their reaction to the request of flattering King Lear. ... Cordelia is loyal to both the King Lear and the King of France. ... Shakespeare's King Lear evidently displays his own view of woman, which is often contradictory to the realistic image of a woman. ...
When writing King Lear, William Shakespeare focused much of his attention towards both the good and evil aspects of different characters and their relationships with one another. ... Among these lines follows King Lear's greatst mistake: it was when he put statements, which were intended to affirm their true loves for their father. ... As a reaction twards his daughter's honest response, Lear cast her away, exclaiming. ... It's obvious to the reader that she cherishes her father more so than her sisters, but she can't express her love in the way in which King Lear wants ...
King Lear's actions throughout the play have substantial consequences. ... (Shakespeare 1.1.167-169) Kent tries to convince Lear that Cordelia does love him but Lear fails to see this. ... Kent is loyal and faithful to Lear and tries to make Lear realize his wrong decisions. ... / This is not Lear, / Does Lear walks thus, speak thus? ... (1.4.234-236) By giving away everthing he owns, he gives away his title as King and leaves himself with nothing. ...
