King Lear

List types of roles: In this performance, Madison Jackson plays the role of Goneril, King Lear’s eldest daughter.
What was the theme explored? The scene ‘Goneril’ demonstrated a range of social themes such as power, greed and loyalty. Thirst for power, caused by the loss of a fathers love, push Goneril to evil acts, presenting her as a callous, unremorseful women. In a dramatic speech, Goneril expresses her unwavering love toward Lear all so she may greedily acquire his riches and fortune. However, soon tired of his party antics, long stays at her castle and overbearing nature, Goneril decides to rid herself of the burden that is her father. Goneril’s example of feigned loyalty and deceit link the audience to her character, as many of us have
The main tension in the scene stemmed from Goneril’s contempt toward her father’s behaviour and her underlying jealous of his past affections toward her younger sister Cordelia. Rage builds as does tension, encouraging the audience to work out what her final move will be. Ultimately she seeks revenge on King Lear by barring him form his own castle, leaving him to face biting winds and storms alone.
Past, Present, future & setting: List the place & time explored. King Lear is set in mythical England where the time period is an era that has never existed however the actual play is written from 1604–1605. This scene in particular takes place within Goneril’s castle.
What dramatic forms were used to construct the scene? Dramatic forms used to construct the scene are tragedy and elements of dark humour.
How were the characters and story expressed, including use of verbal language, vocal sounds, music, body language and movement? The character and story were well expressed through the use of Shakespearean language, which reinforced the piece’s non-colloquial style. Lack of music was understandable, as not to detract attention from the actor or drown them out although I think it could have been powerful toward the end. In terms of movement, the actors clasped hands, striding gate and menacing facial expressions, all worked to clearly articular their characters high/regal
Due to this scene being Shakespearean, the rhythm was in iambic pentameter, which meant a quick, darting pace at certain points reflected the characters erratic thoughts and fuming temper. A slower, steadier tempo that revealed a calm, collected and altogether more devious side to the character nicely contrasted this.
What symbolic meaning was created using objects or settings? Through out the performance symbolic meaning was created through repetition of the word ‘storm.’ Whilst referring to the violent storm brewing outside, the subtext of this is really Goneril’s plan for her father’s decent into madness.
What was the overall dramatic meaning created? The overall dramatic meaning in this scene develops form Goneril’s Greedy ambition as well as desire for revenge harvested in the mind of someone who feels as though they are forgotten or abused.
How was the actor/audience relationship manipulated to achieve a particular effect? Were the audience engaged? As Part of the audience, I felt thoroughly engaged through the duration of the performance. This was because the actor managed to convincingly portray certain mannerisms of a high status/evil