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What will make King Lear continue to be worthy of critical study ?eThe Tragedy of King Lear?f (K.L.), by William Shakespeare is part of the ?eliterary canon?f. The
Submitted by madbra on December 2, 2007
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eThe Tragedy of King Learf (K.L.), by William Shakespeare is part of the eliterary canonf. The uniqueness of this canonical play lies in its universality; that is its ability to be interpreted and re-interpreted throughout the course of history to suit the audience of a particular context. Not only is the play able to be re-interpreted, but its ideas and values, which are conveyed through the content by the language and construction, remain relevant to all societies. Hence, K.L. will continue to be a play worthy of critical study. This essay will discuss ideas exemplified in K.L. including: appearance versus reality, the corruption of power, anarchy leading to chaos and justice. The reception of Michael Elliotfs production will be analysed to explain why there is a wide interpretation of readings for Shakespearefs K.L.
Throughout the play K.L., nothing is as it seems and this develops a world that is pretentious. This is developed through the thematic construction in the play, of appearance versus reality. King Learfs elder daughters, Goneril and Regan appear to Lear to be adoring and faithful, depicted in the opening scene where they use hyperbolic speeches to convince Lear to give them the land: gSir, I love you more than word can wield the matter/ Dearer than eyesight, space and libertyh (1.1.50-51). However, they are masking their true nature and are only playing to vanity so that they inherit his land and wealth. Michael Elliotfs film production of K.L. has the sisters kneeling on the rug and kissing Learfs hands. It would appear that they were praying to him. Lear appears happy with their performance and is very confident and trusting in their proclamations of love and adoration. Feminist critics would disapprove of this portrayal of women. Feminists argue that this scene depicts women as corrupt and craving for land and power. When they do speak the truth, they are punished, or banished as Cordelia is when she gcannot...
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