Writing and Rhetoric - King Lear Background

Who ruled England during Shakespeare’s time?

Queen Elizabeth

More History and Some Plot

King Lear wants to divide up his kingdom between his three daughters, but when his youngest daughter “goes against him” he disowns her and instead divides power among two of his daughters.

King Lear

Loves to be flattered, growing old and senile

Goneril

Lears eldest daughter who is cruel and sucks up to him

Regan

Lears middle daughter, who is cruel and tries to one up Goneril

Cordelia

Lears youngest daughter, who is truthful to her father and gets disowned

Earl of Gloucester

Nobleman in Lear’s court who has two sons, one legitimate and one illegitimate

Earl of Kent

Nobleman in Lear’s court who is very loyal but speaks against what Lear is doing to Cordelia

Oswald

Goneril’s servant who is very obedient without asking questions

Desire for Power

Lear wants to keep his power, yet does not want the responsibility. His two eldest daughters also are willing to do a lot for his power. Then, with Goneril’s son, he is also out to get his father’s power.

Corruption of Authority

Lear believes that his power gives him the authority to do whatever he wants, but the main plot concerns the extent of this power. His daughters also help to corrupt his power.

Justice

Like many works at this time, King Lear depicts the fight between the forces of good and the forces of evil

Aging/Legacy/Mortality

Lear grows old and his goal is to name his heirs, but his age effects his judgement. Nonetheless though, he is aware of his morality.

What are the defining traits of a tragic hero?

It is a character with a tragic flaw (hamartia), excessive pride (hubris), and a shift from fortune to ruin (role reversal)

Who is the Fool character in Shakespeare plays?

He is the only character who reveals the truth to lear, but generally, he is the most honest character.

Why might Shakespeare have been interested in questions of power and succession when writing King Lear?

Queen Elizabeth 1 died without a definite heir

The story of King Lear is based upon:

An ancient Celtic king

What decision sets up the main conflict in the play?

Lear divides his kingdom among is daughters

Which character vows always to be loyal to Lear?

Kent

Gloucester is considered a foil for Lear because why?

Is different from Lear, but faces similar family betrayal

Lears decision to divide his kingdom most strongly suggests that he is what?

Affected by age and fear of mortality

What are the names of Gloucester’s sons?

Edgar and Edmund

Why is King Lear considered a tragedy?

The hero experiences a reversal of fortune