King Lear Group

Question:

jarky
jarky
Student
High School - 12th Grade

Describe what happens to Lear when he is in the heath and midst of the storm.

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Posted by jarky on Monday November 10, 2008 at 11:41 AM and tagged with king lear, lear, storm, theme.

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  1. ms-mcgregor Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    The storm on the heath represents the growing storm of madness overtaking Lear. Just before going into the hovel, Lear complains of "Filial Ingratitude" and he can only see his own problems. When he encounters Edgar, who is disguised as Tom o' Bedlam, he accuses Tom's daughters of driving him mad. Kent tries to help Lear by telling him that Tom "hath no daughters" but Lear threatens to execute Kent. For a moment, Lear has a bit of clarity and concern for others and he prays for "all naked wretches" in the storm and also condemns himself for taking "too little care of this." But his madness and self pity continue and he calls his daughters "pelican daughters". Lear then begins to take off his clothes in an attempt to become someone else.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/kl/

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    Posted by ms-mcgregor on Monday November 10, 2008 at 12:22 PM