Essay The Dysfunctional Family of Shakespeares King Lear

The Dysfunctional Family of King Lear One of the reasons why Shakespeare is so thoroughly read today is because of his ability to portray human nature so accurately through his characters. Shakespeares play, King Lear shows us that humans are treacherous and selfish. We can also relate to the play because of the family issues that Shakespeare incorporates throughout the work. Lears family is definitely a dysfunctional one. However, the disrupted family unit is the basis for the plays tragedy. The Contemporary Guide to Literary Terms defines tragedy as a piece of writing that inspires fear or pity, through which the audience/reader experiences catharsis (a purging of emotions). Tragic plots should have a†¦show more content†¦Contrary to what Barker states, I believe there are two Lears: the Titan integrating the storm and the old man breaking under it (16). Lear changes not only as a king, but also as a man... as a father. Regardless of the warnings given to him by his trustful advisor Kent, Lear goes on to ask each of his daughters to profess their love for him, offering them pieces of the kingdom as a reward when he says: Great rivals in our youngest daughters love, Long in our court have made their amorous sojourn, And here are to be answered. Tell me my daughters, (Since now we will divest us both of rule, Interest of territory, cares of state) Which of you shall we say doth love us most? That we our largest bounty may extend Where nature doth with merit challenge. (I,i, 47-53) Kimbrough states that Lear loses his primary modes of identity when he consciously removes himself from the role of king and unconsciously removes himself from the role of parent; there is little left except his folly to guide him (138). This is first and most important thing Lear does wrong in the play. He abdicates his throne just to fuel his giant ego, setting of a chain of events that eventually lead to his demise in typical tragedy fashion (immense pain and suffering). Lears two daughters, Goneril and Regan, do not deserve to have control of theShow MoreRelatedKing Lear Character Analysis1511 Words   |  7 Pagesconfusing as a thing to write as the thoughts within his very own mind. King Lear had a mind that could be compared to a light switch. His emotional states change from one extreme to the other with just that flip of the switch. Lear had a vast need for power and control; this combined with his temper and enormous selfishness created room for many mental outbu rsts. Best stated by Henry Hudson (1911) in his character study of Lear: â€Å"We see in him something of constitutional rashness of temper, whichRead MoreEssay on King Lear and a Brave New World: Similar Themes and Motifs774 Words   |  4 PagesIn Aldous Huxley’s Brave New world and William Shakespeares King Lear, the reader will find that both works use similar motifs that mirror each other to increase further the similarities and significance of the works. The Brave new world tries to destroy any of human emotion, which is why Huxley has chooses Shakespeare as the basis of Johns system of beliefs involved in personal connection. Although the story lines in both of the publications are quite different from one another, thereRead MoreLove, Friendship, Loyalty in William Shakespeares Midsummer Nights Dream and King Lear2661 Words   |  11 PagesIn William Shakespeare’s (1564-1616) attempt to explore themes of love, friendship and loyalty in his plays, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1600) and King Lear (1603-1606), there is distinct and constant portrayal of these themes classified of inconsistencies. It is crucial to understand that the historical context of Shakespeare’s writing is important in grasping a true understanding of the inconsistencies that exists in love, friendship and loyalty. Writing during the time of the renaissance, Shakespeare’sRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Othello And The English Language1649 Words   |  7 PagesWilliam Shakespeare is one of the most influential and greatest writers up to this day in poetry and the English language. Known, for his many acclaimed works such as his famous plays, â€Å"Othello,† â€Å"King Lear,† and  "Romeo and Juliet† etc. More than four hundred years have passed and William Shakespeare’s work still alive as if it was during the early ages of Shakespeare work. Shakespeare influenced ranges from literature, theater, films and even the English language. Especially, now days in the education