The Themes - Violence and degradation
7 important questions on The Themes - Violence and degradation
How does tragedy unfold?
-Dislocation of the human mind from itself and from its loved ones
-Chaos and downfall are both crucial
What does Lear's unnatural, bodily torment which he wishes on Goneril say about children?
They are a curse on their parents = background-coloragainst our natural instincts. Connotations of the devil when Lear describes his ungrateful daughter: "she may feel/ How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child." - having his daughter experiencing betrayal and rejection like she has done to Lear would be the ultimate punishment.
Why is violence to an extent necessary?
It makes the characters achieve insight = allows redemption
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What does the fast pace of Gloucester's blinding scene and its dialogue portray?
Almost a sense of interrogation - the play explores the corruption and abuse of justice
What does Gloucester's blinding show in terms of justice?
There is no divine justice - the action of G, R and C is humanity preying on itself.
What can be said about Gloucester and Lear's attitude towards their children and violence?
They are violent e.g. Gl wants to kill Edgar when he believes he is plotting against him + the very act of banishing Cordelia + Lear commands nature against G and R
What can be said about the ending of the play in relation to cruelty, violence and suffering in their wider significance?
They lack redemption as Cordelia still dies.
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