Only when mad is Lear able to finally see Regan and Goneril
for what they really are. Analyze how and why it is that when different
characters experience such tragedies that they are finally able to see the
truth.
This is exactly what the analysis we read today was discussing too. They also used Gloucestor as an example of how it was not until he became blind that he saw which son was actually more loyal to him. This idea that tragedies lead them to the truth is a reflection on real life in which pain and suffering often brings people closer. Both of these characters needed almost a "wake up call" from the lives that they were loving and Shakespeare made these physical/mental changes so they would not only have a stronger impact on the characters but be more obvious to the viewer.
By portraying Lear as finding clarity in madness we should look at what Shakespear is saying about madness. People are called mad or insane when they don't meet societies expectations, so its almost if Lear takes a step back and looks at society from a new perspective. Shakespear often puts his characters in a flawed environment to reveal truthes about the society of the time in which he lived. This is the case with King Lear and the struggle for power in an aristocracy. Only when Lear becomes aloof from society can he seperate true merit from the lies of characters like Goneril and Regan.
This question can be directly connected to the passage we wrote on today with the chorus from "Antigone." One of the main points that was made in the passage regarding tragedy was that when the tragedy befalls someone they pretty much experience a sense of enlightenment. The tragedy causes them to see their lives in a new light, and this is seen with Lear as well. After he loses pretty much everything (tragic), he begins to see his daughters for what they truly are-evil.
I agree with both Anthony and Tom in that Shakespeare uses this tragedy to show the flaws within society. I would like to even further develop Anthony's idea and bring up the Fool. Although in society the Fool is viewed as lower than the other characters it is continually seen that he is the one that appears to offer the most sense. For instance on page 53 when the Fool says "Fools had ne'er less grace in a year, For wise men are grown foppish And know not how their wits to wear, Their manners are so apish." The Fools suggests that it is in fact the "wise men" who are becoming "foppish" or foolish and their "manners are so apish" or foolishly imitative. So it is interesting to think that it is not until the King is brought down to what may be considered the Fool's level that he sees the problems in his life.
This is exactly what the analysis we read today was discussing too. They also used Gloucestor as an example of how it was not until he became blind that he saw which son was actually more loyal to him. This idea that tragedies lead them to the truth is a reflection on real life in which pain and suffering often brings people closer. Both of these characters needed almost a "wake up call" from the lives that they were loving and Shakespeare made these physical/mental changes so they would not only have a stronger impact on the characters but be more obvious to the viewer.
ReplyDeleteBy portraying Lear as finding clarity in madness we should look at what Shakespear is saying about madness. People are called mad or insane when they don't meet societies expectations, so its almost if Lear takes a step back and looks at society from a new perspective. Shakespear often puts his characters in a flawed environment to reveal truthes about the society of the time in which he lived. This is the case with King Lear and the struggle for power in an aristocracy. Only when Lear becomes aloof from society can he seperate true merit from the lies of characters like Goneril and Regan.
ReplyDeleteThis question can be directly connected to the passage we wrote on today with the chorus from "Antigone." One of the main points that was made in the passage regarding tragedy was that when the tragedy befalls someone they pretty much experience a sense of enlightenment. The tragedy causes them to see their lives in a new light, and this is seen with Lear as well. After he loses pretty much everything (tragic), he begins to see his daughters for what they truly are-evil.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both Anthony and Tom in that Shakespeare uses this tragedy to show the flaws within society. I would like to even further develop Anthony's idea and bring up the Fool. Although in society the Fool is viewed as lower than the other characters it is continually seen that he is the one that appears to offer the most sense. For instance on page 53 when the Fool says "Fools had ne'er less grace in a year, For wise men are grown foppish And know not how their wits to wear, Their manners are so apish." The Fools suggests that it is in fact the "wise men" who are becoming "foppish" or foolish and their "manners are so apish" or foolishly imitative. So it is interesting to think that it is not until the King is brought down to what may be considered the Fool's level that he sees the problems in his life.
ReplyDelete