What Role Does Madness Play in 'King Lear'?

Essai , 2010 , 7 Pages , Note: 1,3

Philologie Anglaise - Littérature

In this essay I shall try to depict King Lear's madness, how it is displayed, the effect it has on Lear and other characters and what function it serves in the play. First several scenes have to be discussed at what point Lear's madness possibly begins. Secondly, other people's reactions to his madness will be examined. Finally, I will analyse the function his insanity has in the play.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Lear's Madness: The Beginning
• Reactions to Lear's Madness
• Lear's Madness and its Function in the Play
• Conclusion

Objectives and Key Themes

This essay analyzes the portrayal of King Lear's madness in Shakespeare's play, exploring its emergence, its impact on Lear and other characters, and its overall significance within the narrative.

• The onset and development of King Lear's madness.
• The responses of other characters to Lear's mental deterioration.
• The role of madness as a catalyst for transformation and self-discovery in Lear's character.
• The symbolic representation of Lear's inner turmoil through the use of pathetic fallacy.
• The thematic exploration of justice, power, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

Chapter Summaries

• Introduction: This section outlines the essay's purpose and provides a brief overview of the topics to be discussed.
• Lear's Madness: The Beginning: This chapter examines the gradual emergence of Lear's madness, exploring various interpretations of its origins and considering the possible influence of his daughters' actions, his own irrational decisions, and the gradual loss of his power and influence.
• Reactions to Lear's Madness: This chapter focuses on the responses of other characters to Lear's madness, including the Fool's attempts to cheer him up, Kent's respectful treatment, and Cordelia's eventual success in restoring him to sanity, at least temporarily.
• Lear's Madness and its Function in the Play: This chapter analyzes the function of Lear's madness within the play, exploring its role in revealing his inner turmoil, challenging the status quo, and prompting a process of self-discovery and moral transformation.

Keywords

This essay explores the concepts of madness, power, justice, familial relationships, and the exploration of psychological and moral transformation in the context of Shakespeare's "King Lear".

• Université: Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (Department of English and Linguistics)
• Cours: Introduction to Literary Studies
• Note: 1,3
• Auteur: Nicolette Deister (Auteur)
• Année de publication: 2010
• Pages: 7
• N° de catalogue: V164694
• ISBN (ebook): 9783640797455
• ISBN (Livre): 9783640797264
• Langue: anglais
• mots-clé: What, Role, Does, Madness, Play, King, Lear