In shakespeare's play King Lear, King Lear is a tragic Hero. Why is he a tragic character? What are King Lear's tragic flaws?
King Lear is a tragic character/hero because he became enraged by Cordelia's response and therefore, divided his kingdom between his two older daughters,Goneril and Regan. Due King Lear’s high position in society, he was supposed to be able to
distinguish the good from the bad but his inability to see prevented him.
Lear’s blindness also caused him to banish one of his loyal followers,
Kent who later created a disguise in which he seeked employment from the King. Lear’s inability to determine his servant’s true identity proved once again how blind he actually was. As the play progressed, he realized how wicked his two eldest daughters really were after they locked him out of the castle during a tremendous storm. Finally, Lear saw through Cordelia’s lack of flattery and
realized that her love for him was so great that she couldn’t express
it into words. Unfortunately, Lear’s blindness ended up costing
Cordelia her life and consequently the life of himself.
King Lear's inability to judge his surroundings accurately especially when it comes to the flattery portrayed by his two oldest daughters who later destroy his kingdom due to their irrational judgement is the determinant of him bieng a tragic character. His tragic flaws are his irrational decisions, unwise judgements, stagnant foresight and inability to see the flaws or through others in order to determine fiction versus reality. Lear's dreadful decision leads to his gradual fall into insanity, a war between the forces of Britain and France, and the eventual death's of Lear's entire family.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
King Lear Study Questions & Answers
1.1
1.Who are the two nobles in the opening scene and what are they talking about?
1.Who are the two nobles in the opening scene and what are they talking about?
- The two nobles in the opening scene are Earl of Kent and Earl of Gloucester and they are talking about their mistaken view of King Lear prefering Duke of Albany over Duke of Cornwall who are his first and second daughters, that is, Goneril and Regan, husbands respectively. They realise that the King's division of his Kingdom lacks favortism so upon the arrival of Edmund, Gloucester's illegitimate son, who gains favour in his father's and acquaintance's eyes. Also,Gloucester speaks positively of both his sons which seemingly cherishes and love without favour which is an element unique to his character unlike other characters in the Shakespeare Plays.
- I think Edmund is feeling gullable to commit evil for illegitimate children within the Shakespeare plays are usually seen as "trouble makers" or "bastards" because of the circumstances in which he was conceived. He must of felt that these men could be easily tricked because they saw him as containing the features of a legitimate son.
3.What does Old King Lear plan to do with his kingdom? What is the test that he proposes to the daughters?
- Old King Lear plans to split his Kingdom equally among his three daughters BUT he wanted to offer majority of it to the daughter who was able to convince him of their love toward him which would be considered far more superior to the other.
4.How do each of the first two daughters answer the old man?
- The first two daughters answered the old man with sweet sounding words which were full of fluff and flattery. For example- Goneril "Sir, I love you more than word can weild the matter" and Regan " And find I am alone felicitate in your dear Highness's love"
5.What is Cordelia's answer and why does she answer as she does? What does her reference to "nothing" suggest about the use of this motif in the rest of the play?
- Cordelia's answer is Nothing and she answers the way she does because of the flattery displayed by her sisters and her inability to transfer her feelings into words. As seen when she states, “heave her heart into her mouth,” that she loves him exactly as much as a daughter should love her father. Her reference to "nothing" suggest about the use of this motif in the rest of the play is that it reflects how the actions taken by some of the characters such as Cordelia and Edmund is based on nothing, their actions simply mistaken by its viewers.
6.Do you think that Cordelia is being cruel in refusing to play her father's game? Why?
- I do not think that Cordelia was bieng cruel in refusing to play her father's game because she is an individual unable to profess her feelings openly but uses her actions which was expected to speak louder than her words.
- King Lear obviously became infuriated by Cordelia's response since he disowned her and splitted her share between her sisters. Lord Kent reacts to Lear's response by not conforming to his usual norm but rather questioning the King's judgement and wisdom
along with ridiculling him for being unable to see through the flattery of Goneril and Regan's speech and acknowledge the daughter that loved him the most bieng Cordelia whom was bieng punished for bieng honest.
8.How might the references to sight and blindness become important for the rest of the play?
- The references to sight and blindness became important for the rest of the play since the physical blindness of Gloucester symbolizes the metaphorical blindness that cripples both Gloucester and Lear who are fathers. The similarities between the two men are apparent for they both have loyal children and disloyal children, both are blind to the truth, and both end up banishing the loyal children and making the wicked one(s) their heir(s). Only when Gloucester has lost the use of his eyes and Lear has gone mad does each realize his tremendous error because their blindness to the truth about their children has cost them dearly.
9.How do France and Burgandy each react to the news that Cordelia will not receive any dower and what does their reaction tell us about their characters?
- France's and Burgandy's reaction to the news that Cordelia will not recieve any dower was quite different. For Burgandy bieng the first to respond states his displeasure with the Lear's decision and eagerly backs out of the fight for Lear's approval. This reaction tells us that Burgandy was only concerned about his inheritance through marriage relation rather than actually loving Cordelia. While France unexpected response is completly opposite to that of his opponent which is his willingness to accept her because he loved her and not her dower. France's reaction tells us that his feelings toward Cordelia were indeed geniune.
10.What does Cordelia mean when she says to her sisters, "I know you what you are." What do the sisters say about their father near the end of the scene?
Cordelia means when she says to her sisters, "I know you what you are" that she figured out that her sisters conniving behaviour was the surface of their plot to dethrone the King. The sisters near the end of the scene talk about their fathers illness and age which is the root cause of his inability to judge accurately as he once did.
1.2
11.What are the two views of nature contrasted in the action and dialogue of this scene?
- The two views of nature contrasted in the action and dialogue are the stigma which is placed on illegitimate children by society provokes their thoughts into commiting evil deeds as in the case of Edmund and the inability for illegitmate children to become heirs to their parents kingdom.
12. What parallels do you see between this scene and the first one?
- The parallels that I see between this scene and the first one is Cordelia and Edmund who are both unable to openly express their feelings. While on the other hand, Lear and Gloucester who are unable to see and judge the actions of their children.
1.3
13.A couple of months have now passed; what is bothering Goneril at this point and what does she instruct her servant Oswald to do about it?
Goneril's father's behaviour and his management style which includes the preferential treatment of his troops whose behavior is considered "riotous" and she instructs Oswald to ignore them which would infuriate her father giving her a reason to indirectly influence his sudden departure to his other daughter, Regan.
1.4
14.Why does Kent wish to serve Lear? What does he discern in Lear's countenance and how is this ironic?
- Kent wishes to serve Lear because he respects him and only wants to guide him to see what is going on around him. He discerns in Lear's countenance is respect and acceptance. This is ironic since Lear punished him for expressing his beliefs openly which were contradictory to that of his superior.
15.What is Kent's reaction to what Oswald's servant does to Lear?
- Kent's reaction to what Oswald's servant does to Lear is tripping him.
16.Why is what the knight says about the Fool's pining away "since my young lady's going into France" important?
- The knights revelation of the Fool pining away as a result of "since my young lady's going into France" is important since he reflects how blinded the King was of his surroundings and even a fool could have seen how much Cordelia loved the King.
17.What is the Fool's function in this part of the play and what are at least three examples of how he fulfills this function?
- The fool's function in this part of the play is to foolishly enlightening the King while ridiculing his judgements. Three examples of how he fulfills this function are: " If a man's brains were in's heels, were't not in danger of kibes?", "Why to put's heads in, not to give it away to his daughters, and leave his horns without a case" and "If thou wet my fool nuncle, I'ld have thee beaten for bieng old before thy time."
2.1
18.How does Edmund trick his brother Edgar into fleeing?
- Edmund tricks his brother Edgar into fleeing by convincing him that Cornwall was angry with him for being on Albany's side of their "disagreement" and that it would be beneficial for him to leave his hiding place because Cornwall knew of it.
2.2
19.How do Kent's actions with Oswald characterize him as a "plain dealer"?
- Kent's actions with Oswald characterize him as a "plain dealer" since he acts based on indirect contact, that is, Oswald disrespected the King and as a servant of the King it was his duty to retaliate.
20.How might Kent's line "Nothing almost seems miracles/But misery" serve as a motto for the play?
- Kent's line "Nothing almost seems miracles/But misery" serves as a motto for the play because it shows on doing no wrong one is still punished.
2.3
21.How is Edgar's disguising himself as a bedlam beggar an example of social criticism in the play? Why is Edgar's comment, "Edgar, I nothing am" important to the meaning of the play?
- Edgar's disguising himself as a bedlam beggar an example of social criticism in the play since due to the cruelty of his brother he was forced into poverty which is a social status undeserving for the heir to Gloucester's wealth. Edgar's comment, "Edgar, I nothing am" important to the meaning of theplay because it shows how a man innocently accused becomes poor within a society which dictates that his birth right should place him in the upper class.
2.4
22.Why is Lear so angry that his servant Kent has been put in the stocks by Regan and Cornwall?
Lear is so angry that his servant Kent has been put in the stocks by Regan and Cornwall since it seems like they are readily assuming his authority by punishing his servant who falls directly under his control without consulting him as if he no longer exists.
23.What is Regan's first response when Lear complains of his treatment at the hands of her sister?
- Regan's first reponse when Lear complains of his treatment at the hands of her sister is that her sister is merely performing her duty and should not be blamed.
Monday, October 26, 2009
King Lear Essay on Concept Map and Life of Shakespeare
The Life of William Shakespeare
This essay will look at the life of William Shakespeare as presented within a Concept but in explained in more detail. William Shakespeare, was born on St. George's Day, that is, 23rd of April, 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England and died in 1616. He was the son of Mary Arden who was the daughter of a wealthy landowner. Mary Arden died in 1608 and was married to John Shakespeare who was a glove maker and local politician that was elected into civial positions in the community between 1557 and 1570. William Shakespeare had several siblings including three brothers and four sisters. His oldest sibling is his sister Joan who was born in 1558 and died from plague and he also had another sister name Joan as well who was born in 1569 and died in 1646. He was the second eldest of the Shakespeare's children. His immediate younger brother's name was Gilbert who was born in 1566 and died in 1616 which was the same year as William Shakespeare. His other sisters' names were Margaret who was born in 1562 and subsequently dying in 1563 which was only a year after her brith and Anne who was born in 1571 and died in 1579. William Shakespeare attended the Stratford Grammer School also known as the King's new school, between the ages of 6 to 13. He enjoyed learning English and reading storied written by Latin authors while learning Rhetoric, Logic, History and Latin. As a child Shakespeare worked for a butcher. In 1582, William Shakespeare married Anne Hathway, who was an orphan as a youth, while she was pregnant with their first child whose name was Susanna and born subsequently born in 1583. The couple also had twins, Hamnet and Judith, who were born in 1585 and died in 1596. The years 1578 to 1582 were considered "Lost Years" since Shakespearespent them acquiring skills as an actor and playwright. Between 1582 and 1592, he moved to London and began working in theatre while not only bieng a member but also part owner of the Lord Chamberlain's Men who were later called the King's Men. In 1599, Globe Theater was built by L.C.M of which Shakespeare was the primary investor. William Shakespeare established a career out of acting and writing playwrights especially that of Hamlet which assisted him in acummulating much wealth in 1602. In 1613, Globe Theater was destroyed by fire during the showcasing of one of Shakespeare's plays. WilliaM Shakespeare has made 38 plays inclusive of fourteen comedies, ten histories, ten tragedies and four romances. It is believed that he may have possibly written three others and collaborated in the making of several other plays. He also wrote two major poems called "Venus and Adonis" and "Rape of Lucrece" along with 154 sonnets and numerous other poems. Williams Shakespeare did not write Old English nor did he write middle English but rather in "Early Modern English". Shakespeare coined many words which are still bieng used within society today such as "Critical","Majestic" and "Dwindle" and a few phrases such as "One fell swoop", "Flesh and Blood" and "Vanish into thin air". Shakespeare's language consisted of a mixture between the old and the new so that it was understandable by even the lowest of peasants and highest of nobles. Theatrical Conventions, a suspension of reality, of Shakespeare's Theatre consisted of no electricity, no women since they were forbidden to act on stage and minimal contemporary costumes along with minimal scenery since these control dialouge. Also, present within the Threatrical Conventions of Shakespeare's Theatre were Soliloquy and Aside which are types of speech along with Blood and Gore and the Supernatural because it is assumed that the Audience loves to scared. Finally, there is also use of disguise in order to created a mistaken identity with the last speaker bieng highest in rank within the tragedies, multiple murders in tragedies and multiple marriages in comedies.
This essay will look at the life of William Shakespeare as presented within a Concept but in explained in more detail. William Shakespeare, was born on St. George's Day, that is, 23rd of April, 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England and died in 1616. He was the son of Mary Arden who was the daughter of a wealthy landowner. Mary Arden died in 1608 and was married to John Shakespeare who was a glove maker and local politician that was elected into civial positions in the community between 1557 and 1570. William Shakespeare had several siblings including three brothers and four sisters. His oldest sibling is his sister Joan who was born in 1558 and died from plague and he also had another sister name Joan as well who was born in 1569 and died in 1646. He was the second eldest of the Shakespeare's children. His immediate younger brother's name was Gilbert who was born in 1566 and died in 1616 which was the same year as William Shakespeare. His other sisters' names were Margaret who was born in 1562 and subsequently dying in 1563 which was only a year after her brith and Anne who was born in 1571 and died in 1579. William Shakespeare attended the Stratford Grammer School also known as the King's new school, between the ages of 6 to 13. He enjoyed learning English and reading storied written by Latin authors while learning Rhetoric, Logic, History and Latin. As a child Shakespeare worked for a butcher. In 1582, William Shakespeare married Anne Hathway, who was an orphan as a youth, while she was pregnant with their first child whose name was Susanna and born subsequently born in 1583. The couple also had twins, Hamnet and Judith, who were born in 1585 and died in 1596. The years 1578 to 1582 were considered "Lost Years" since Shakespearespent them acquiring skills as an actor and playwright. Between 1582 and 1592, he moved to London and began working in theatre while not only bieng a member but also part owner of the Lord Chamberlain's Men who were later called the King's Men. In 1599, Globe Theater was built by L.C.M of which Shakespeare was the primary investor. William Shakespeare established a career out of acting and writing playwrights especially that of Hamlet which assisted him in acummulating much wealth in 1602. In 1613, Globe Theater was destroyed by fire during the showcasing of one of Shakespeare's plays. WilliaM Shakespeare has made 38 plays inclusive of fourteen comedies, ten histories, ten tragedies and four romances. It is believed that he may have possibly written three others and collaborated in the making of several other plays. He also wrote two major poems called "Venus and Adonis" and "Rape of Lucrece" along with 154 sonnets and numerous other poems. Williams Shakespeare did not write Old English nor did he write middle English but rather in "Early Modern English". Shakespeare coined many words which are still bieng used within society today such as "Critical","Majestic" and "Dwindle" and a few phrases such as "One fell swoop", "Flesh and Blood" and "Vanish into thin air". Shakespeare's language consisted of a mixture between the old and the new so that it was understandable by even the lowest of peasants and highest of nobles. Theatrical Conventions, a suspension of reality, of Shakespeare's Theatre consisted of no electricity, no women since they were forbidden to act on stage and minimal contemporary costumes along with minimal scenery since these control dialouge. Also, present within the Threatrical Conventions of Shakespeare's Theatre were Soliloquy and Aside which are types of speech along with Blood and Gore and the Supernatural because it is assumed that the Audience loves to scared. Finally, there is also use of disguise in order to created a mistaken identity with the last speaker bieng highest in rank within the tragedies, multiple murders in tragedies and multiple marriages in comedies.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Clear light of day- Significance of Baba
The Significance of Baba
Baba, like the major characters of the Clear Light of Day plays a vital role although he is speech impaired due to his mental disability. Baba's mental capacity is not equivalent to that of his age. His character symbolises or reflects Old Deli- " Old Delhi dies, not changes. It only decays." because he does not speak verbally but instead through his actions. This can be seen through his attraction to the "gramophone" and "marbles". Baba can be considered to have ousted Tara out of her position of bieng the youngest in the Family. He was also the reason why Mrs. Das sought for the help of Aunt Mira who aided in his development by playing games and practiciing his speech along with his cognition of his surroundings. Aunt Mira helped Baba to relate his needs to his family members which created their acceptance of disabled individuals and Bim, his older sister loved him dearly while taking it upon herself to care for him daily as they grew older. Baba was seen as equal within his siblings' eyes since they never treated him as if were different and they tried to encourage him to break through his barrier of which he was mentally incapable of doing. For example, his siblings encouraged him to go to work in their offices of which he was suppose to assume the position left for Raja upon the death of Mr. Das. Finally, Baba's view on life remained stagnant as was Old Delhi while his siblings' lives were continously changing like New Delhi.
Baba, like the major characters of the Clear Light of Day plays a vital role although he is speech impaired due to his mental disability. Baba's mental capacity is not equivalent to that of his age. His character symbolises or reflects Old Deli- " Old Delhi dies, not changes. It only decays." because he does not speak verbally but instead through his actions. This can be seen through his attraction to the "gramophone" and "marbles". Baba can be considered to have ousted Tara out of her position of bieng the youngest in the Family. He was also the reason why Mrs. Das sought for the help of Aunt Mira who aided in his development by playing games and practiciing his speech along with his cognition of his surroundings. Aunt Mira helped Baba to relate his needs to his family members which created their acceptance of disabled individuals and Bim, his older sister loved him dearly while taking it upon herself to care for him daily as they grew older. Baba was seen as equal within his siblings' eyes since they never treated him as if were different and they tried to encourage him to break through his barrier of which he was mentally incapable of doing. For example, his siblings encouraged him to go to work in their offices of which he was suppose to assume the position left for Raja upon the death of Mr. Das. Finally, Baba's view on life remained stagnant as was Old Delhi while his siblings' lives were continously changing like New Delhi.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Clear light of day- Role of Aunt Mira (Corrected Version)
Aunt Mira plays a crucial role in the children's upbringing. Yet, as the children grow older, all but Bim leave her and don't return until her death. Describe the importance of Aunt Mira's presence as the children were growing up. What did she provide for them? What did they, in turn, provide for her? How did this contribute to her downfall?
Aunt Mira who was the cousin of Mrs. Das became the care-taker of Baba when his dysfunctional mental state was discovered since he now became an unbearable burden. Aunt Mira's in presence within the children's lives could be considered important since she not only cared for and developed Baba but also supervised the Das's older children, that is, Raja, Bimla and Tara. Aunt Mira upon her arrival easily assumed the role of "Mother" within the children's lives since their own mother was disconnected with responsibility of being a Mother to her children and eventually became ill. Hence, they were not disturbed upon the passing of their mother and eventually their emotionally absentee Father.
Aunt Mira provided for the children a stable home despite the confusion which was taking place especially in Tara's life. Tara felt left out when her older siblings excluded her, and whenever she was troubled, she clung to Aunt Mira for comfort. In school, Tara was constantly in the shadow of her sister. Also, Aunt Mira gave Baba this game of pebbles as a child, and he played with them so often that they have grown smooth with wear. The game became one of Baba's two fixations in life, and he played the game even into adulthood. The pebble game was a gift from Aunt Mira to Baba when he was a young child. It was with these pebbles that she was able to improve Baba's condition by teaching Baba to grab and throw which is considered a major accomplishment for the
child whose development had been so severely stunted. However, instead of outgrowing the game, Baba continues to play it, even as an adult because he is able to obtain comfort and also is able to communicate with his siblings. Aunt Mira was able to provide a "safe haven" for the children even taking their health in consideration. She was able to convince Mrs.Das to purchase a cow since she revealed the milk man's scheme in diluting the milk with water. Aunt Mira cared for all the children while treating none better than the other as she catered for their individual needs. She cared for Raja during his illness, Tara during her disparity which influenced her into wanting to be a mother rather than a hero or heroine like her brother and sister. She aided Bim into becoming a strong independent woman.
They provided her with love which created stability within her mind since she came from a home which lacked that. The DAS Children were able to provide Aunt Mira with Peace of Mind and Respect. Aunt Mira's position was of grave importance since she was disciplining the children and was able to assume authority since they requested her permission before acting on their feelings which showed they considered her their parent while valuing her thoughts and opinions.
Aunt Mira's interaction with the children could have led to her downfall since when Bim was left in charge of the household after the death of their parents and when Aunt Mira and Raja fell ill, Tara reacted by
running away. Aunt Mira probably felt that she was cursed with death since every aspect associated with her seemed to have died causing her spirit to die. She also seemed to have been an alcoholic before moving in with the Das family and resumed drinking upon the death of the cow and the children's parents. Aunt Mira probably felt she could no longer handle that sort of responsibility alone since she was not financially secure. Tara leave could have also influenced Aunt Mira's downfall because they were very close.
In conclusion, Aunt Mira played a crucial role within the novel Clear Light of Day in the lives of the Das's Children since she provided a stable and loving home which aided in their success in life.
Aunt Mira who was the cousin of Mrs. Das became the care-taker of Baba when his dysfunctional mental state was discovered since he now became an unbearable burden. Aunt Mira's in presence within the children's lives could be considered important since she not only cared for and developed Baba but also supervised the Das's older children, that is, Raja, Bimla and Tara. Aunt Mira upon her arrival easily assumed the role of "Mother" within the children's lives since their own mother was disconnected with responsibility of being a Mother to her children and eventually became ill. Hence, they were not disturbed upon the passing of their mother and eventually their emotionally absentee Father.
Aunt Mira provided for the children a stable home despite the confusion which was taking place especially in Tara's life. Tara felt left out when her older siblings excluded her, and whenever she was troubled, she clung to Aunt Mira for comfort. In school, Tara was constantly in the shadow of her sister. Also, Aunt Mira gave Baba this game of pebbles as a child, and he played with them so often that they have grown smooth with wear. The game became one of Baba's two fixations in life, and he played the game even into adulthood. The pebble game was a gift from Aunt Mira to Baba when he was a young child. It was with these pebbles that she was able to improve Baba's condition by teaching Baba to grab and throw which is considered a major accomplishment for the
child whose development had been so severely stunted. However, instead of outgrowing the game, Baba continues to play it, even as an adult because he is able to obtain comfort and also is able to communicate with his siblings. Aunt Mira was able to provide a "safe haven" for the children even taking their health in consideration. She was able to convince Mrs.Das to purchase a cow since she revealed the milk man's scheme in diluting the milk with water. Aunt Mira cared for all the children while treating none better than the other as she catered for their individual needs. She cared for Raja during his illness, Tara during her disparity which influenced her into wanting to be a mother rather than a hero or heroine like her brother and sister. She aided Bim into becoming a strong independent woman.
They provided her with love which created stability within her mind since she came from a home which lacked that. The DAS Children were able to provide Aunt Mira with Peace of Mind and Respect. Aunt Mira's position was of grave importance since she was disciplining the children and was able to assume authority since they requested her permission before acting on their feelings which showed they considered her their parent while valuing her thoughts and opinions.
Aunt Mira's interaction with the children could have led to her downfall since when Bim was left in charge of the household after the death of their parents and when Aunt Mira and Raja fell ill, Tara reacted by
running away. Aunt Mira probably felt that she was cursed with death since every aspect associated with her seemed to have died causing her spirit to die. She also seemed to have been an alcoholic before moving in with the Das family and resumed drinking upon the death of the cow and the children's parents. Aunt Mira probably felt she could no longer handle that sort of responsibility alone since she was not financially secure. Tara leave could have also influenced Aunt Mira's downfall because they were very close.
In conclusion, Aunt Mira played a crucial role within the novel Clear Light of Day in the lives of the Das's Children since she provided a stable and loving home which aided in their success in life.
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