King Lear Research Paper
Regarded as one of the greatest tragedies ever written, Shakespeare’s King Lear explores numerous human dilemmas. Much of the adversity described within the play can be found when interactions between family members arise. More often than not, the patriarchal member of the house is at odds with his children. In turn, the relationship between parent and child is broken. This rift causes two factions to be formed: one consisting primarily of the older generation, and the other consisting of the younger generation. The two parties have disparate values and morals in regards to most, if not all situations. This generational gap is one of the main contributors to feelings of angst between the groups. However, there are certain individuals
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It is known that children learn how to communicate by observing their parents. If the parents are effective communicators, it is most likely that their children will be as well. The same goes for if the parents communicate negatively (Long I). One of the effects of negative communication between parent and child is behavioral problems. Children who feel as though they cannot communicate properly tend to lash out (Wymbs). These facts could point to what caused the retaliation against Lear and Gloucester. Perhaps it could be due to the fact that there were no mother figures represented in the story. During this period in history the duties of the parents were divided the father offered economical support, where as the mother coddled and cared for her children. It is safe to assume that even though the mother was absent, Lear and Gloucester did not adopt the motherly duties. The two men were very important and probably were too busy to physically interact with their children. Not to mention both men probably wouldn’t be too fond of performing “ womanly duties” due to the fact that they are both hyper-masculine characters. This lack of physical contact can be extremely detrimental to an infant. The effects range from unstable hormonal levels to difficulty recognizing one’s own self (Harmon). This could very well be the case when it …show more content…
To demonstrate the absence of admiration they had for their fathers, the three blatantly disrespected them. Goneril instructs her servants to show contempt towards her father, the King. Oswald, one of Goneril’s servants, refers to Lear as “ My lady’s father”, instead of the King. (1.4.68.). Regan and her husband take another brazen attack on Lear’s dignity. While staying at Gloucester’s castle, Regan and Cornwall, her husband, lock Lear’s personal servant up in the stocks. This is a direct insult to not only Lear, but to Gloucester as well. The couple is definitively showing that the King has no authority over them and that they hold more power in Gloucester’s castle than he does. However, the ultimate disgrace for Gloucester comes when his son, Edmund betrays him. Edmund, no longer in need of his father’s trust, sells out Gloucester to Regan and Cordelia. In return Edmund is heavily rewarded and becomes the new Earl of Gloucester. At this point, for both Gloucester and Lear, all parent-child ties are
It is known that children learn how to communicate by observing their parents. If the parents are effective communicators, it is most likely that their children will be as well. The same goes for if the parents communicate negatively (Long I). One of the effects of negative communication between parent and child is behavioral problems. Children who feel as though they cannot communicate properly tend to lash out (Wymbs). These facts could point to what caused the retaliation against Lear and Gloucester. Perhaps it could be due to the fact that there were no mother figures represented in the story. During this period in history the duties of the parents were divided the father offered economical support, where as the mother coddled and cared for her children. It is safe to assume that even though the mother was absent, Lear and Gloucester did not adopt the motherly duties. The two men were very important and probably were too busy to physically interact with their children. Not to mention both men probably wouldn’t be too fond of performing “ womanly duties” due to the fact that they are both hyper-masculine characters. This lack of physical contact can be extremely detrimental to an infant. The effects range from unstable hormonal levels to difficulty recognizing one’s own self (Harmon). This could very well be the case when it …show more content…
To demonstrate the absence of admiration they had for their fathers, the three blatantly disrespected them. Goneril instructs her servants to show contempt towards her father, the King. Oswald, one of Goneril’s servants, refers to Lear as “ My lady’s father”, instead of the King. (1.4.68.). Regan and her husband take another brazen attack on Lear’s dignity. While staying at Gloucester’s castle, Regan and Cornwall, her husband, lock Lear’s personal servant up in the stocks. This is a direct insult to not only Lear, but to Gloucester as well. The couple is definitively showing that the King has no authority over them and that they hold more power in Gloucester’s castle than he does. However, the ultimate disgrace for Gloucester comes when his son, Edmund betrays him. Edmund, no longer in need of his father’s trust, sells out Gloucester to Regan and Cordelia. In return Edmund is heavily rewarded and becomes the new Earl of Gloucester. At this point, for both Gloucester and Lear, all parent-child ties are