What Role Does Madness Play in 'King Lear'?

Ensayo , 2010 , 7 Páginas , Calificación: 1,3

Filología inglesa - Literatura

In this essay I shall try to depict King Lear's madness, how it is displayed, the effect it has on Lear and other characters and what function it serves in the play. First several scenes have to be discussed at what point Lear's madness possibly begins. Secondly, other people's reactions to his madness will be examined. Finally, I will analyse the function his insanity has in the play.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• The Beginning of Lear's Madness
• The Love Test
• Goneril's Demands
• Reactions to Lear's Madness
• The Fool
• Kent
• Cordelia
• The Storm Within
• The Reasons for Lear's Madness
• The Mock Trial
• Lear's Humiliation

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay explores the role of madness in Shakespeare's King Lear, specifically focusing on King Lear's descent into insanity. The essay examines the possible triggers of his madness, how other characters react to his condition, and ultimately analyzes the function of his insanity within the play.

• The nature and manifestation of Lear's madness
• The impact of Lear's madness on himself and other characters
• The thematic significance of Lear's madness in the play
• The relationship between Lear's madness and his character flaws
• The role of social and political context in shaping Lear's madness

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The essay begins by discussing the possible starting point of Lear's madness, exploring the irrationality of his love test and the growing sense of vulnerability he experiences as his daughters strip him of power. It then examines the reactions of other characters to Lear's madness, highlighting the efforts of the Fool, Kent, and Cordelia to soothe and support him. The essay further analyzes the connection between Lear's internal turmoil and the storm raging outside, suggesting a symbolic representation of his mental state. It delves into the potential reasons for Lear's madness, including his daughters' ingratitude, the loss of power, and the possibility of a purifying process through suffering. Finally, the essay examines the climax of Lear's madness in the mock trial scene and his subsequent humiliation, emphasizing his self-awareness and compassion.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The essay focuses on key concepts such as madness, power, family, betrayal, justice, suffering, and catharsis, exploring their role in shaping the character of King Lear and his descent into insanity. It also touches upon themes of social and political contexts, as well as the relationship between individual psychology and external forces.

• Universidad: Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (Department of English and Linguistics)
• Curso: Introduction to Literary Studies
• Calificación: 1,3
• Autor: Nicolette Deister (Autor)
• Año de publicación: 2010
• Páginas: 7
• No. de catálogo: V164694
• ISBN (Ebook): 9783640797455
• ISBN (Libro): 9783640797264
• Idioma: Inglés
• Etiqueta: What, Role, Does, Madness, Play, King, Lear