Characters - King Lear
9 important questions on Characters - King Lear
What causes Lear's downfall?
His blindness - he values appearance of reality. e.g He wants to remain King but does not want to fulfil a King's obligation of governing for the good of his subjects. His daughter's demonstration of public affection highlights that he values a flattering public display of love over real love.
What two mistakes does Lear make? Which one is the most important?
Political and parental mistake = the latter is the most damaging
As the play develops, Lear recognises his insanity; however, what does he still naive to? What does this say about tragedy?
His crucial political and parental mistake - “I am a man/ More sinned against than sinning.” Real tragedy springs from suffering, not death.
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What 2 aspect of Lear causes his fractured relationship with his daughters?
- his own ignorance as a father
- his impulsive temperament
Why would Lear want to be flattered?
- systematic of his old age
- his role of King = expects loyalty
What can be said about Lear's anger relating to nature?
There is a force of nature to his anger e.g. harsh imagery & the storm.
What does Lear learn in his journey through the play?
What it is to be human - by the end he learns that death is a tragic truth to human life. Before he is obsessed with his role - the audience witness Lear's learning of the essence of humanity. Cordelia's death is the harshest, most brutal lesson which he is forced to accept = even the most virtuous people die
What do the knights represent?
Lear's support and respect - when G & R start stripping him of his knights he starts to question himself.
What can be said about Lear's reaction to Cordelia's death? What is this similar to?
Lear is deluded in thinking Cordelia has cheated death before he dies - his false belief links to Edgar's deception of his father's suicide.
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