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This quote of Lear's to Gloucester and Edgar
seemed to bring the themes of foolishness
together and was something I though a lot
about while comparing character parallels.
I also noted that the lines are in fine meter,
despite Lear's madness.
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In analyses, I usually look mainly at theme and characters
because these lenses help allow me to engage with the entire work more easily. This time, though, I tried to look a little
more at elements of meter and use of language and tried to make annotation of
this in my e-book that were focused and organized. I also tried to keep a narrower view as I
searched for ideas to write about because my split thesis was the main issue of
my last analysis.
Influences
Seeing other's thoughts as they read through the play really helped me in my character analysis to see how others interpreted the characters and the connections that they drew between them. The different sources opened me up to a wide variety of experiences with fresh insight into the play. Connecting things in the play to outside social media and national events made it more relevant and offered new perspectives.
Working Claims
[causal claim] Even though madness and blindness separate
Lear and Gloucester from the other characters, these states lead the two to better understand the world around them because it let's them experience a different side of the world that contrasts with their original ideas.
[comparison claim] Although the fool is often compared to
Cordelia, his role is more like that Edgar’s in the way each, under a guise of
foolishness, serves as a sort of guide to a disabled and troubled master.
[policy claim] Despite Lear’s speech disregarding fidelity, the reader should determine that lust is actually condemned in the play as a folly since it causes the downfall of many characters.
[definition claim] Although age is often cited as a primary factor of the way Lear and Gloucester misunderstand the world, wealth in the play is also an element associated with their detachment and blindness, as it keeps them from having to experience the hardness of reality.
[evaluation claim] Despite the vagueness of the connection in the actual script, it is better to read King Leer knowing that Cordelia and the fool were often the same actor in order to fully understand the role that each plays in the king's fall and redemption.
I like your policy claim! I'm sure you considered Regan and Goneriel's relations with Edmund, but did you think about Gloucester and how his illicit relations ultimately caused his downfall too?
ReplyDeleteI actually though of Gloucester first, so thanks for pointing out the others. :) I also like the idea that when Lear gives his speech about how lust can't be that bad, he doesn't realize that Edmund is actually evil and we get of dramatic irony.
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