...Tiffany Monroe Critical Analysis IV Ms. Gill 12/14/12 Madness and Blindness in King Lear King Lear by Shakespeare is a play that has many motifs and ideals that are supported by its characters. One motif that is introduced in the very beginning is the relationship between blindness and madness. Although the development of this relationship can be seen within characters such as Glouchester the Earl, and Goneril and Regan, the king’s daughters, it is best illustrated by the king himself. The relationship between blindness and madness illustrated in King Lear teaches that blindness will lead to madness, and madness will lead to enlightenment. No character in King Lear experiences the effects of this relationship like the main character himself, King Lear. In the very beginning he proposes a question to his daughters that he has no way of knowing the true answer of; in essence he asks his three daughters how much they love him to see who loves him the most. Two of his daughters, Goneril and Regan feed him lies, and basically tell him that they love him more than life itself. King Lear’s third daughter, Cordelia answers truthfully; she tells him that she loves him for giving her life, and as much as a daughter should love her father. Because of the King’s blindness, he is outraged by this response. He fails to see that Goneril and Regan were lying to get ahead while poor Cordelia, who he then banishes, is the one who truly loves him. The king...
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...brutal picture of power, and what people will do to attain it. He does this by the themes of betrayal, madness and blindness, the things that power can often lead to. During the whole flattery scenario, Goneril and Regan commit the ultimate act of betrayal, not only to their father, but to each other. They conspire to snatch the throne from their father, by offering meaningless praise to their father. They then stripped what little authority he had left, and kicked him out, disregarding and disrespecting the one responsible for raising them. Goneril and Regan then turn on each other because of the character Edmund. Goneril goes as far as to poison her sister for Edmund, and then betrayed herself my committing suicide. The theme of madness is also current throughout the play. Goneril and Regan go mad out of their lust for power, in contrast to King Lear, who goes truly goes mad out of grief. Honestly, the entire tragedy is madness, the things that Lear’s daughters did to usurp the throne from their father are insane. They don’t stop at taking over the throne; however, they eye-up the same man, Edmund. This triggers another outburst of madness, that concludes with Goneril poisoning Regan, then killing herself, which is not only the ultimate act of self-betrayal, but also the ultimate act of madness. The final thing and the theme that really summarizes the entire play is blindness. This is really what Shakespeare is getting to, that power and the pursuit of power makes one blind...
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...King Lear In Shakespeare’s Tragedy King Lear understanding the themes and motifs is as important as interpreting the dialogue. The emotional effect is highlighted in King Lear with Shakespeare’s use of themes which mirrors the father-child relationships, the different definitions of blindness and the degrees of complete madness. Blindness can normally be defined as the inability of the eye to see, but according to Shakespeare, blindness is not a physical trait, but a mental imperfection some people possess. Because of Lear’s high position in society, he was supposed to be able to distinguish the good from the bad however his lack of sight prevented him from doing it. King Lear’s first act of blindness came at the beginning of the play. First, his two eldest daughters easily deceived him by their lies then he could not see the reality of Cordelia’s true love for him, and as a result, banished her from his kingdom with the following words:“for we have no such daughter, nor shall ever see that face of her again. Therefore be gone without our grace, our love, our benison.” (Act I, Scene I, Ln 265-267) Lear’s blindness also lead him into getting rid of one of his most loyal men. Kent was able to see Cordelia’s true love for her father, and tried to protect her from her blind father’s irrationality. After Kent was banished, he disguised himself and was eventually hired by Lear as a servant. Lear’s inability to determine his servant’s true identity proved once again how blind...
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...whether the world is fundamentally indifferent or even hostile to humankind. Various characters offer their opinions: “As flies to wanton boys are we to the gods; / They kill us for their sport,” Gloucester muses, realizing it foolish for humankind to assume that the natural world works in parallel with socially or morally convenient notions of justice (4.1.37–38). Edgar, on the other hand, insists that “the gods are just,” believing that individuals get what they deserve (5.3.169). But, in the end, we are left with only a terrifying uncertainty—although the wicked die, the good die along with them, culminating in the awful image of Lear cradling Cordelia’s body in his arms. There is goodness in the world of the play, but there is also madness and death, and it is difficult to tell which triumphs in the end. Authority versus Chaos King Lear is about political authority as much as it is about family dynamics. Lear is not only a father but also a king, and when he gives away his authority to the unworthy and evil Goneril and Regan, he delivers not only himself and his family but all of Britain into chaos and cruelty. As the two wicked sisters indulge their appetite for power and Edmund begins his own ascension, the kingdom descends into civil strife, and we realize that Lear has destroyed not only his own authority but all authority in Britain. The stable, hierarchal order that Lear initially represents falls apart and disorder engulfs the realm. The failure of authority...
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...The True Nature of Lear’s Madness Out of all of Shakespeare’s works, King Lear is by far his greatest tragedy. Tragedy, not in the sorts of horrific blood shed, but in terms of the hostile nature of humankind, that was thoroughly explored within the play. The brilliance of the play does not only lie in its brilliant storyline, it ultimately lies in the numerous universal, yet controversial themes. Themes of familial obligation, metaphorical blindness, political disarray, cruelty, betrayal, insanity and madness, these are only a few of the many conveyed. The critical summation of King Lear is as such: King Lear, ruler of Britain, decides to abdicate his throne and leave Britain in the charge of his three daughters. However, due to his weakness to flattery he bestows the entire kingdom to his daughters, Goneril and Regan. Unlike her malevolent sisters, Cordelia is banished by Lear. Ultimately, as a result of the committed acts, Lear sets not only himself, but also his entire country into civil strife. The natural order originally established by Lear falls apart and disorder engulfs the realm. Lear’s, ‘fall from grace’ in addition to the abuse he attains from his offspring causes him to go temporarily insane. However, insanity leads Lear to self-realization, completely stripped from his royal pretensions. Such a realization causes Lear to overlook his values and finally learn of humility. One is able to state that before the climax took place Lear, in fact was ‘mad’, this...
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...to see people for who they truly are; thus their tragedy is the journey they must endure to regain sight. It is clear that although, Lear can physically see, he is blind, and lacks understanding, insight and pure intentions. It seems that the characters who had and kept their “healthy eyes” throughout the entire novel, could see both the evil and distorted world with which they live in. Ironically, while characters such as Gloucester, whose eyes were physically seized from him, and metaphorically Lear, both can now recognize their true selves. Blindness is not only a physical impairment for Gloucester and a forced lesson for King Lear ,but also a mental defect that some of the characters possess. They both share the inability to see the other characters true-selves ,and can only “see” the surface of things. Shakespeare uses Lear’s inability to see with his heart and Gloucester’s vulnerability to portray one of his themes, blindness. In the beginning of the play, Lear is seen to be a vain, conceited old man. He sees age as an opportunity to shirk his responsibilities, “ Know that we have divided In three our kingdom, and 'tis our fast intent, To shake all cares and business from our age, Conferring them on younger strengths while we, Unburdened crawl toward death” (1.i.35-39) He has a need to be dependent on others around him, and at the same time wants to be recognized as a “king”. Because of his position he was supposed to be...
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...generalities and expectations that came to mind while thinking over the words knowledge and individual power are what I penned down. The way toward individual power above one’s individual atmosphere is paved by the possession of knowledge. The ability for you to be a much sounder person and to be able to progress the surroundings for those that are around you. An ideology and the power is instilled in you that you will be confidently encouraged to feel and live better. Assistance in coming up with better choices and lead you in the direction of righteousness in your everyday life is received from knowledge and individual power. The readings that I selected were “Crazy Courage” by Alma Luz Villanueva, “Cathedral” by Raymond Carver, and “Much madness is divinest sense” by Emily Dickinson. I logged on to the internet upon completion...
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...Literary devices can play a large role in the development of a novel. A parallel plot is a literary device when the writer weaves two or more dramatic plots that are linked by a common character or similar themes. (Russell 2009) The play Lear William King by Shakespeare supports this definition. The lives of King Lear and his three daughters parallel those of Gloucester and his two sons. Both plots have loyal and disloyal children, King Lear and Gloucester are both blind to the truth, and each banish the loyal children and make the wicked ones their heirs. The parallel plots of King Lear reinforce the play's major themes of filial ingratitude, blindness, and betrayal. King Lear and Gloucester both have loyal and disloyal children. Lear decides to retire from the throne and is dividing his kingdom up to his three daughters. Two of Lear’s daughters, Regan and Goneril lie about their love for him and only desire the heir, however, his other daughter, Cordelia, speaks the truth and is not interested in the heir. Sir, I [Goneril] do love you more than words can wield the matter, Dearer than eyesight, space, and liberty, Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare, No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honor, As much as child e'er loved or father found— A love that makes breath poor and speech unable. Beyond all manner of so much I love you. (Shakespeare Act I Scene I 56) Goneril and Regan claim to love their father more than they can express, and more than...
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...KING LEAR Act One The play opens at Lear’s court, where we meet the main characters. The opening scene is in itself shocking, as Lear forces his daughters to declare their love for him. The one who loves him the most will receive the largest part of his kingdom, which he intends to divide between the three. Lear himself wishes to hand over the ruling of the kingdom to his daughters, while retaining the ‘Pre-eminence, and all the large effects / That troop with majesty’ (Scene 1, Lines 131-2). Goneril and Regan acquit themselves well at this love test. Cordelia, however, dismayed by her sisters’ ponderous words, refuses to take part in the ‘contest’ and tells Lear that she loves him as her duty instructs her. When Cordelia refuses to speak again, Lear casts her off without a moment’s hesitation. Ken attempts to argue with the King, accusing him of ‘hideous rashness’ (Scene 1, Line 151). When Kent further warns Lear that his elder daughters are false flatterers, Kent too is banished. Lear invests Albany and Cornwall with power, and, after Burgundy refuses to take Cordelia as his wife, now that she is without dowry, France takes her for her virtues alone. Goneril and Regan complain, in private, about Lear’s harsh judgement and unpredictable behaviour and worry that they too may be treated unfairly. Edmund, Gloucester’s bastard son, soliloquises about his own situation, revealing his devious intentions towards his brother. When his father enters, Edmund’s...
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...King Lear Themes Table Themes Act 1 Act 2 Act 3 Act 4 Act 5 Critics Overview Shakespeare's dark tragedy, King Lear begins with the fictional King of England, King Lear, handing over his kingdom to daughters Regan and Goneril whom he believes truly love him. King Lear intends to stay with each daughter consecutively, accompanied by one hundred loyal knights.! Angry that Cordelia his youngest daughter does not appear to love him as do Goneril and Regan, Lear banishes his youngest daughter Cordelia, and Kent, the servant who attempts to defend her. Cordelia leaves and is taken by the King of France as his Queen...! Edmund, the loved but illegitimate son of the Earl of Gloucester plots to have his elder brother Edgar's reputation ruined. Edmund tricks his father Gloucester into believing that Edgar wanted to kill him...! The disrespectful Goneril conspires to have her guest and father, King Lear, driven out of her house.! Kent, who has now disguised his identity to serve King Lear, earns King Lear's respect by defending his name. Goneril offends King Lear and dismisses fifty of his knights. Lear starts to realize Cordelia was not so disrespecting. Lear decides to leave for Regan where he is sure to be treated properly...! Lear instructs Kent to deliver several letters to Gloucester. The Fool teaches Lear several riddles. We learn of possible conflict between evil sisters Regan and Goneril. Edmund further manipulates...
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...Whether it be big or small depends on who they are as a person, but everyone does it and because it's so normal we don't consider it very “morally wrong”. Except, when it comes down to life or death. The second cause of the Salem Witch Trials were easily described as lying little girls. Some people might wonder what would cause the girls to do such a thing. The answer is easy: attention. For some unknown reason, these girls were almost always believed, mostly because everyone was clinging to the madness. “Once or twice they were caught in their own snare; and nothing but the blindness of the bewildered community saved them from… well deserved punishment… There can be doubt that they were great actors” (Charles W...
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...devoted daughter and realizes too late the true nature of his other two daughters. A major subplot involves the illegitimate son of Gloucester, Edmund, who plans to discredit his brother Edgar and betray his father. With these and other major characters in the play, Shakespeare clearly asserts that human nature is either entirely good, or entirely evil. Some characters experience a transformative phase, where by some trial or ordeal their nature is profoundly changed. We shall examine Shakespeare's stand on human nature in King Lear by looking at specific characters in the play: Cordelia who is wholly good, Edmund who is wholly evil, and Lear whose nature is transformed by the realization of his folly and his descent into madness. The play begins with Lear, an old king ready for retirement, preparing to divide the kingdom among his three daughters. Lear has his daughters compete for their inheritance by judging who can proclaim their love for him in the grandest possible fashion. Cordelia finds that she is unable to show her love with mere words: "Cordelia. [Aside] What shall Cordelia speak? Love, and be silent." Act I, scene i, lines 63-64. Cordelia's nature is such that she is unable to engage in even so forgivable a deception as to satisfy an old king's vanity and pride, as we see again in the following quotation: "Cordelia. [Aside] Then poor cordelia! And not so, since I am sure my love's More ponderous than...
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...The narrator succumbs to murder that is driven by pure selfishness and lack of mental stability. The narrator’s roommate is an elder man who has an eye that is very pale blue signifying blindness and age. The narrator begins to plot throughout the beginning of the story on how to take the actions to murder the man. “He had the eye of a vulture—a pale blue eye, with a film over it. Whenever it fell upon me, my blood ran cold; and so, by degrees—very gradually— I made up my mind to take the life of the old man, and thus rid myself of the eye forever” (Poe 727). His motive to kill was based of physical appearance and that is not a justifiable motive to murder anyone. He felt anguished and fear from the looks that his idea of murder was solely to have the man not look at him anymore. After committing the murder he does not feel remorse but power and accomplishment. His ethics and morals are faded and he feels his actions are justified...
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...Transformation The Transformation of King Lear Like all other plays, throughout the tragedy of King Lear, written by William Shakespeare – many of the characters undergo changes that help the plot to progress. The transformations of King Lear’s character are one of the driving forces behind the play, and help the plot to develop. The audience may notice how Lear’s sanity, thought processes and physical status changes his character transforms. Throughout the tragedy, King Lear goes from having a complex social identity and status to becoming just another peasant. Throughout the play King Lear, there are many actions and events that take place that cause a change in his character. When King Lear chooses to resign from the kingdom, giving his power to his daughters- he disturbs the great chain of being. Giving up his kingdom by choice as opposed to death was not common or agreed upon during that time. Therefore, by taking such a risky action in doing so, the audience is aware that his character will go through many changes. King Lear goes from being the king and the patriarch of the family to becoming another peasant who is under the rule of these daughters. However, by doing so – the king expects to keep the privileges of being king without having to do the work. Lear goes from having a very high social identity, to being under the rule of his daughters which does not sit well with him. The audience learns about how his power is stripped away little by little, and...
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...a story of a town that resists changing its barbaric tradition, and a narrative poem about preconceived notion and how it makes us ignorant and prejudiced. Also, there are works of literature that demonstrate the goodness of breaking away from conformity and finding yourself and your own values. The literary works of the past illustrate the evils of conformity and the need to challenge ourselves to break out of the bubble. A strong critic of conformity, Emily Dickinson, in her poem “Much Madness is Divinest Sense” asserts her belief that the mindless unison of idea is dangerous. As the title suggests, the poet believes it is better to be “mad” and different than to obey the norm. She states “Assent− and you are sane−/ Demur−you’re straightway dangerous−”(ll 6-7) pointing out how those who break the norm are considered as outsiders or anarchists and those who do not are welcomed in the society. Also, the poet suggests that it is those who conform that are mad as she states: “the starkest Madness−/’Tis the Majority”(ll 3-4), strongly criticizing the idea of majority-established society. Following the ideas that Dickinson established, Shirley Jackson’s short story, “The Lottery”, displays how dangerous and powerful conformity can be. The story starts out with seemingly innocent everyday people who live in a bucolic countryside, but is later revealed that they participate their long tradition of “the lottery” in which the winner is stoned to death for good harvest. The monstrous power...
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