King Lear: Parallel Plot

Parallel Plot: Purpose

• Delivers criticism of misused authority, power abuse, blindness of old men, and broken parent-child bonds.
• Widens scope beyond the king.

Subplot Function

• Intensifies action for dramatic effect.
• Emphasizes human suffering and folly through misjudgment, love attempts, aging, and neglected duty.
• Provides emotional satisfaction and resolution, unlike the main plot.

Contrast and Juxtaposition

• Drives action by creating/solving conflict.
• Dramatic irony warns against foolish actions.

Similarities Between Plots

• Heighten understanding and criticism through repetitive actions.
• Reinforces necessary actions (e.g., Cordelia and Edgar's sacrifice).
• Heightens criticism of folly and unjust behavior.

Contrasts and Reinforcement of Ideas

• Kent's loyalty vs. Oswald's self-serving behavior.

"Bond" and Financial Diction

• Cordelia: Represents duty and genuine love; Lear's rejection criticized.
• Edmund: Emphasizes unnatural relationship; highlights cruelty and vengefulness.

Motifs

• Serpents: Men labeling women as such.
• Eyes and Blindness: Fathers initially similar, divergence leads to different views.

Character Outcomes

• Cordelia and Edgar: Teach right/wrong and consequences of disorder.
• Evil Siblings: Highlights faults and warns against behaviors/attitudes.