King Lear by William Shakespeare
Considered to be one of Shakespeare's greatest plays, the tragedy King Lear portrays some of the darkest aspects of human nature that can be found in literature. The helplessness...
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Considered to be one of Shakespeare's greatest plays, the tragedy
King Lear portrays some of the darkest aspects of human nature that
can be found in literature. The helplessness of the human
condition, as we fall prey to our destinies, the injustice and
random cruelties practiced by people, suffering and humiliation,
the lust for power and the greed for wealth are all depicted in
this magnificent play. And through it all, runs the golden thread
of love and sacrifice, daughterly affection and the true nature of
our relationship with our parents. Little is known about the
writing of the play. It is thought to have been drafted some time
in 1603 but the authorship of Shakespeare was finally attributed to
it only in the 1623 First Folio. Early 17th century audiences
disliked the gloomy aspects of the play and it was given a happy
ending. However, in the 19th century, the original was brought back
and with it, Shakespeare's unerring grasp of human nature, love and
family values. The almost fairytale quality of the opening scene
can beguile the reader into a sense of familiarity. However, this
is literally the lull before the storm! King Lear of Britain is
aging and he wishes to divide his inheritance and the kingdom among
his three daughters. However, he devises a strange test for each,
based on which he will give the largest share to the winner. The
daughters have to describe how much they love him. The elder two,
Goneril and Regan heap praise on their father, layering their
speech with fulsome compliments designed to please and flatter the
old man. However the youngest, his favorite daughter, Cordelia
remains silent, saying she has no words to express her love.
Enraged and disappointed, the old king disinherits Cordelia and
gives her share to her two sisters. Her lover, the Duke of Kent,
objects, but he is banished. Lear then declares that he will spend
the rest of his life with his two faithful elder daughters and here
begins the kernel of the play. Said to be based on a legendary
ruler of ancient Britain, Shakespeare's brilliance turns the bland
myth into a towering narrative, filled with wonderful quotations
and dramatic elements, creating an immortal portrait of the human
condition. Lear's descent into madness and the final tragic aspects
of the play make it an unforgettable read.
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