King Lear Analysis Essay Example

to govern specific regions. (quote - Lear offering regions) In a similar vein, he puts his daughters to the test to determine who would express the greatest love for him. (quote - Cordelia has no words) Despite being aware of Cordelia's genuine affection, he disowns her because she fails to exhibit a flamboyant and public declaration of love. (quote - disowning)

In both cases, he lets his obsession with appearances obstruct his perception of reality. This ultimately unveils Lear's fatal flaw and the tragedy that ensues from his misguided actions. Some argue that Lear possesses redeeming qualities, leading to a significant journey of redemption in the eyes of the audience. Towards the conclusion of the play, Lear starts to challenge his daughters, Goneril and Regan, symbolizing a resurgence of power and strength within him (quote - Lear siding with Cordelia). This highlights a resolution of his tragic actions, a common element found in tragedies.

Further on, Cordellia’s death occurs after Lear’s failed attempt to save her (quote – cordellias death). This evokes pity for Lear, adding a tragic element to the play. We also witness Lear's own death, which brings the play to a redeeming conclusion (quote - Lear’s death). While the main plot is commonly seen as a journey of redemption, the sub plot involving Edgar and Edmund can be considered part of the tragedy in 'King Lear' but does not offer any redemption in the end. Edmund himself is portrayed as an illegitimate son, which generates pity (quote - Edmund illegitimate). During that era, society viewed illegitimate individuals as outcasts, almost like aliens, and they were not accepted into society. Consequently, Edmund develops a desire

for power and ownership, leading him to devise a plan against his own brother Edgar, thus embodying a typical tragic villain (quote - Edmund wanting power). The plan he constructs against his own father Gloucester and his brother Edgar is also tragic, as Gloucester believes and trusts his evil son Edmund while disowning his other son Edgar (quote - Gloucester disowning Edgar).

This text highlights the tragic nature of the situation, particularly for the audience who are aware of the truth that Gloucester is unable to see. There are debates about whether Edmund offers any form of redemption during the conclusion of the play. Despite Edmund's deceitful actions, such as having Gloucester's eyes gouged out (quote - eyes taken out) and orchestrating Cordelia and Lear's hanging (quote - hanging), he eventually confesses to his plan and urges them to halt it as he approaches death (quote - Edmund confesses hanging). However, many viewers do not view this as a redemption as they do not experience any sorrow upon his demise.

The main and subplot of the play involve the collaboration of the two evil daughters, Goneril and Regan, with Edmund. Goneril and Regan play a significant role in the tragic events that King Lear encounters in the main plot. They strategize to strip Lear of his knights, rendering him powerless, which ultimately leads to his descent into madness. This removal of his knights symbolizes Lear's downfall, as he becomes feeble and mentally unstable. As spectators, we witness this tragic element unfolding as Lear's once elevated status diminishes.

However, the two evil sisters never find redemption for their villainous acts. Regan's demise is caused by Goneril poisoning her, yet

another evil deed. (quote - regan poisoned). Consequently, Regan never has an opportunity to redeem herself. Despite that, in the society of those times, Goneril's suicide was perceived as a redeeming quality as she sacrificed herself and sought penance for her wrongdoing. However, a modern audience does not view Goneril's suicide in the same light. (quote - gonerils death). Above all, these two wicked daughters are responsible for the tragedy in the play as they acquire power and influence others such as Edmund to join them. Furthermore, they do not seek redemption, making the play a tragic one without any redeeming features. Lastly, the main plot and sub plot are interconnected in various ways, such as Lear and Gloucester both being deceived by their children and experiencing a downfall from grace.

The play "King Lear" features characters who can be divided into two groups: the evil sisters Regan and Goneril, and the villain Edmund; and the pure and good characters Cordellia and Edgar. The main plot and sub plot are closely connected, which adds to the tragic nature of the play. However, some people perceive redeeming features in the main plot because of Lear's attempt to save Cordellia, while they see no redemption in the sub plot due to Edmund's cruel plans and alliance with Regan and Goneril. The tragic nature of the play can be interpreted differently depending on one's perspective.