Major Questions in William Shakespeare's KING LEAR: King Lear a Sinner? , Lear's Madness, The Portrait of Cordelia, Central Theme, Fool, Natural Elements, Subplot, Theme of Betrayal, Justice and Divine Justice, Cordelia Challenge Traditional Gender Roles, Ending , Political and Social Context

***Is Lear a man more sinned against – than sinning?

This question relates to the whole issue and theme of justice, and its existence or otherwise in King Lear. On the one hand Lear gives in to flattery, makes a bad decision to split his kingdom, and when he does so splits it unfairly. He banishes cruelly the only daughter who loves him, and a nobleman who is devoted to his service. He attempts to live like a king with none of a king’s responsibilities of duties, and takes himself out into a storm when his followers are dismissed. On the other hand he is punished for his lack of self – knowledge his vanity, and his inability to distinguish the truth from falsehood by losing his wealth, his sanity, his daughter, and finally his life. He was certainly sinned, but only through common faults which under different circumstances might have gone unnoticed and unpunished.

(Note: Regarding the statement "Is Lear a man more sinned against – than sinning?", it refers to the question of whether Lear is a victim of circumstances and the actions of others, or if he bears responsibility for the tragic events that unfold. The statement implies that Lear has been wronged more than he has wronged others.)

***Why does Lear go mad?

Primarily, Lear goes mad primarily due to his inability to handle the consequences of his own actions, the betrayal he experiences, and the overwhelming sense of loss and abandonment. Lear goes mad because he is robbed of the honour, respect, and kindness due to a king, a father and an old man. He cannot avoid the realization that these are being denied him; he cannot face the realization that it is partly through his own fault, and the conflict tears his mind apart. Also the denial of family implicit his treatment suggests a collapse in the order that binds the universe together. His suffering enforces self – knowledge, his which initially he cannot cope. His suffering and part – knowledge also show him a hitherto unsuspected cruel and harsh world where good and evil a like die and suffer. This new insight (as is the case with Hamlet) induces madness and helps to preserve it in him.

***What is the function of the Fool?

William Shakespeare

The Fool serves as both a comic relief and a truth-teller in "King Lear." He provides witty commentary, offers critical insights, and acts as a voice of reason and wisdom amidst the chaos. The Fool provides humour in the play by parodying its serious themes. He also shows the audience the truth through his capacity to see things in their bare essentials. He provides a common sense vision of events in the play. He acts like a Chorus, pointing out what is happening and increasing the pain and the pathos by his humour. He alone realizes fully the incongruities that typify the play – the king reduced to a beggar, the Fool the only wise man in the court, and so forth. When Lear attains a similar degree of knowledge and insight in and after his madness, the Fool is seen no more: he is no longer necessary, because Lear has taken his place.

***How effective is the Portrait of Cordelia?

The portrait of Cordelia in "King Lear" is effective in portraying her as a symbol of loyalty, virtue, and moral integrity, contrasting with the deceit and corruption of other characters.  Cordelia is the only daughter who loves her father truly. She is banished unfairly, but returns to save him when he is in need and when she could easily have left him. She cherishes and loves him to the utmost. As such she appears to offer a portrait of complete goodness. One drawback to her portrayal is that, of necessity, she vanishes off the scene for quite a while, during which time the audience may lose interest in her. It is sometimes asked why she does not flatter her father. This would an old man. By being so brutally honest and refusing to change her mind she brings about no positive result, and in fact helps to ensure the destruction of her father by given the kingdom to Goneril and Regan. She has been described as a bore, and as stubborn as her father.

** What is the central theme of "King Lear"?

The central theme of "King Lear" revolves around the consequences of power, greed, and the disruption of natural order. It explores the destructive effects of unchecked ambition, the consequences of flawed judgment, and the complexities of human relationships.

** How does Shakespeare explore the theme of madness in the play?

Shakespeare explores the theme of madness in "King Lear" through the character of King Lear himself. As Lear descends into madness, his thoughts and actions become erratic and irrational. This portrayal highlights the fragility of the human mind and the consequences of emotional turmoil.

** What role do the natural elements, such as storms and nature, play in "King Lear"?

The natural elements, such as storms and nature, play a significant role in "King Lear" as they mirror and reflect the chaotic events and emotional turmoil of the characters. Storms symbolize the internal turmoil and upheaval within the characters' minds and also represent the breakdown of social order and the disruption of the natural world.

** How does the subplot involving Gloucester and his sons parallel the main plot of the play?

The subplot involving Gloucester and his sons, Edmund and Edgar, parallels the main plot of the play. Both Lear and Gloucester are deceived by their treacherous offspring, highlighting the theme of betrayal and the tragic consequences it brings. The subplot provides a mirrored narrative that emphasizes the overarching themes of filial ingratitude and the destructive nature of ambition.

** What is the significance of the Fool's character and his interactions with King Lear?

The Fool's character in "King Lear" serves multiple purposes. He entertains the audience with his wit and humor, provides comic relief, and acts as a voice of reason and truth-teller to King Lear. The Fool's interactions with Lear often reveal harsh realities and offer insightful commentary on the events unfolding, emphasizing the themes of folly, wisdom, and the consequences of actions.

** How does the theme of betrayal unfold throughout the play?

Betrayal is a recurring theme in "King Lear." Characters betray one another through deceit, manipulation, and treachery. Goneril and Regan betray their father, Edmund betrays his father Gloucester, and even Cordelia's refusal to flatter Lear can be seen as a betrayal in his eyes. This theme underscores the corrupting influence of power and the breakdown of trust within familial relationships.

** What is the role of justice and divine justice in "King Lear"?

Justice and divine justice are significant aspects of "King Lear." The play explores the idea of cosmic justice and the concept that wrongdoing leads to suffering and ultimately punishment. The characters who commit acts of betrayal, deceit, and cruelty face dire consequences, while those who embody virtue and loyalty often meet tragic ends as well, highlighting the complexities of justice and its indiscriminate nature.

** How does the character of Cordelia challenge traditional gender roles and expectations?

The character of Cordelia challenges traditional gender roles and expectations in "King Lear." She defies societal norms by refusing to engage in empty flattery to win her father's favor. Cordelia's steadfastness, integrity, and moral strength contrast with the manipulative and power-hungry actions of other female characters in the play, challenging conventional notions of femininity and highlighting the importance of authenticity and truth.

** What is the significance of the ending and the ultimate fate of the characters?

The ending of "King Lear" and the ultimate fate of the characters are significant. The play concludes with multiple deaths and the tragic demise of several key characters, highlighting the devastating consequences of their actions. The ending serves as a reflection of the moral and emotional devastation caused by the pursuit of power, betrayal, and the distortion of familial bonds.

** How does the play reflect the political and social context of Shakespeare's time?

"King Lear" reflects the political and social context of Shakespeare's time through its exploration of power dynamics, political corruption, and the consequences of misrule. The play depicts a world where authority figures abuse their power, betray their responsibilities, and disregard the well-being of their subjects, resonating with the political tensions and upheavals of Elizabethan England. Additionally, societal expectations, gender roles, and the hierarchical structure are questioned and challenged throughout the play.

Ardhendu De

Ref:

1. ALBERT. (2000). History of English Literature (Fifth Edition) [English]. OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS.

2. Shakespearean tragedy : lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth : Bradley, A. C. (Andrew Cecil), 1851-1935 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/shakespeareantra1905brad