King Lear example essay topic

In this submission for the inclusion of King Lear in the in the 2004 syllabus, the following will be addressed: . The important values in the text... The value of the language. Parallel plots. Religious aspects. Interpretation of the text.

The benefits of students studying the text. King Lear contains numerous values, which have stood the test of time due to their timeless essence. These issues include family relationships, reality and appearance and universal justice. Family relationships are important in all cultures and have not changed greatly over time.

King Lear deals with many issues, which are still present in families such as favouritism, a child's duty to their parents and the paternal responsibility. From the beginning of the play it is evident that Cordelia is Lear's favourite and this causes jealousy between the sisters. It also causes Reagan and Goneril to resent their father and prompts Goneril's statement' by day and night he wrongs me. ' Although favouritism isn't as evident in the Glouster family it is clear that Edgar is treated better because he is the legitimate child. A child's duty is also questioned in the play, Is Lear's expectation that Goneril and Reagan should allow him and his 100 Knights to stay in their castles warranted? Or do they owe him nothing due to his treatment of them before he banished Cordelia?

Also are Lear and Glouster responsible for their children's reactions. Reagan and Goneril are reacting to a lifetime of being second best to Cordelia and Edmund rebelling against unfair treatment because he is the bastard son. Reality and appearance is both what start and end the tragedy. Lear banishment of Cordelia is a direct result of his lack of understanding of her statement ' I cannot heave / my heart into my mouth.

' He sees this statement as 'nothing' it is only once the goes mad and losses everything that he gains self-knowledge and understanding to realise the importance of her statement. Glouster is also unable to distinguish between the trustworthy and untrustworthy son. Ironically it is only once Glouster losses his sight that he is able to see the truth. This value is still relevant today, as we appear to judge on the materialistic aspects of life rather then the true. It questions what is valuable in life and is something only valuable if you can measure it.

Justice and the service of justice are still relevant because it is a fundamental of civilised society. If the text is viewed from a Christian perspective, then justice has been served. Lear suffers the ultimate sacrifice suffering allows redemption in the afterlife. Also as the King was viewed as god's representative, Lear was punished for abandoning his moral duties. Although King's no longer have as much political power this doesn't make the text irrelevant. As this idea can be transformed ito the modern day politician and question when a political leader should resign fro their duties.

However from the nihilistic view the question is ask is there justice in the universe or are we just "like flies to wanton boys are we to th' gods / they kill us for their sport'. Despite the differing views on the end of the play it does deal with punishment for doing wrong. Due to the thought provoking nature of Lear and timeless values the text has been of great interest and influence. The fact that the play was not allowed to be performed when King George 3 was going mad highlights the influences it could have has on society. It has been quoted as "Shakespeare's best piece' and thus been reproduced and transformed numerous times.

The lack of intrinsic stage directions in King Lear has also allowed the composers to appropriate the text into different cultures and contexts. Shakespeare Globe Centre production of Lear used a wooden wheel to reinforce the theme of fate through the fortune wheel. Where as Brian Blessed used elaborate sets and props to recreate the Elizabethan time period. The lack of intrinsic stage directions allows the play to be expressed and interesting to a wider audience. Thus making it valuable to more. Crit ism have been made over the simplicity of the language present in King Lear.

It is believed by some that due to the lack of complexity that the text is not a valuable. However, the purity of the language has allowed the raw emotions of the characters to be expressed. Cordelia's statement 'I cannot heave / my heart into my mouth' highlights her true uncorrupted love for Lear. If Cordelia's language would have been complex then her true emotions would have been lost and the authenticity of her statement would be questionable. The language also allows many interpretations of the text, thus making it appealing to a wider audience. Akira Kurasawa's Japanese transformation, ran explored the family tragedy however focus more on the cause of the tragedy rather then the result.

Was the father the cause due to his up brings of his sons? However the 1989 New Delhi version. Of Lear (director unknown) focused on the corruption and chaos that is caused when children do not far fel their moral duties to there parents.