Intro to King Lear Notes

Elizabethan Age

Refers to the period during Queen Elizabeth I's reign in England, marked by great achievements in exploration, arts, and literature.

Patronage System

A system where artists like Shakespeare relied on sponsors, such as Queen Elizabeth, to fund their work.

Divine Right of Kings

Belief that a monarch's authority comes directly from God, as believed by King James I and reflected in Shakespeare's plays.

Chain of Being

A hierarchical structure in Elizabethan England ranking entities from God to chaos, influencing societal order and beliefs.

Tragedy

A genre of play where characters of high status face downfall due to their own actions or fate, as seen in Shakespearean works like "King Lear."

Five-Act Structure

The organizational framework common in Shakespearean tragedies, with each act serving a specific purpose in the development of the plot.

Themes in "King Lear"

Key concepts like desire for power, corruption of authority, justice, and aging explored in Shakespeare's play "King Lear."

Globe Theatre

A renowned theater in London where many of Shakespeare's plays were performed, destroyed by fire in 1613 and later reconstructed.

Family in Shakespeare's Time

The societal view of the family as the foundation of society, with strict roles and expectations for each member.

Shakespeare's Life

Basic details about Shakespeare's birth, family, education, marriage, and career as a playwright and actor in London.

Checks and Balances

A system where different branches of government have powers that limit and control each other, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.

English Civil War

A conflict fought in England during the 17th century between the Parliamentarians and the Royalists, resulting in the temporary overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic.

Justice

The concept of fairness and moral rightness in the treatment of individuals, often depicted in literature as a theme that explores the consequences of just and unjust actions.

Power Struggle

A situation where different individuals or groups compete for control or influence, often leading to conflict or tension.

Aging/Legacy/Mortality

Themes in literature that revolve around the passage of time, the desire to leave a lasting impact, and the inevitability of death.

Ingratitude

The lack of appreciation or acknowledgment for kindness or favors received, often explored in literature to highlight the complexities of human relationships.

Blindness and Sight

Symbolic elements in literature representing ignorance and insight, often used to explore characters' understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Sibling Rivalry

Competition or animosity between siblings, a common theme in literature that delves into family dynamics and conflicts.

Insanity

Mental illness or irrational behavior that challenges societal norms, often portrayed in literature to explore the fragility of the human mind.

Deception

The act of misleading or tricking others, a recurring theme in literature that examines the consequences of dishonesty and manipulation.