King Lear Notes Essay Example

In prison, Lear tries to console Cordelia by comparing themselves to birds in a cage. This simile highlights Lear's persistent denial of reality throughout the play, as he cannot come to terms with the fact that both he and his daughter are unlikely to survive.
Lear expresses his profound sorrow over Cordelia's death through animal imagery and howling, as well as references to heaven cracking. This imagery represents the chaos caused by Lear's retirement.
Despite having concrete evidence suggesting otherwise, Lear clings onto hope that Cordelia is still alive, which is a common response to traumatic loss.

In the same way, Lear is unable to accept Cordelia's tragic death and persuades himself that it is not true. The feather symbolizes Lear's denial, which is a common aspect of grief. A significant quote states "Jesters do oft prove prophets," indica