Themes: Irrationality
It would be impossible to omit the theme of irrationality in a summary of any Shakespeare play, but King Lear focuses upon it to a degree not seen elsewhere. Again and again there is no reasonable explanation for why the characters in the play act as they do. Yet the play resonates because “life” is like that. No one can rationally account for Cordelia's inability to say something more than she does about her love for her father. Similarly, Edgar makes no attempt to defend himself against Edmund's lies, though he is the “legitimate” son and therefore the empowered one. In their fugitive status, both he and Kent behave almost childishly, making the desperate situation into a kind of game. The speeches of the Fool, Edgar, and to an extent Kent all sound alike, and all three become symbols of some nonsensical quality that takes over men's senses when they are exposed to danger.
Expert Q&A
In King Lear, why does Lear's plan to divide his kingdom seem both sensible and foolish?
King Lear's plan to divide his kingdom among his daughters seems sensible as it addresses succession issues. However, it becomes foolish because he bases the division on declarations of love rather than merit. This invites deceit and rivalry, leading to tragedy. Lear's favoritism towards insincere flattery results in the banishment of his honest daughter, Cordelia, and ultimately, his own downfall as his older daughters betray him.
What is the meaning of this quote from King Lear?
If that the heavens do not their visible spirits
Send quickly down to tame these vile offenses,
It will come:
Humanity must perforce prey on itself
Like monsters of the deep.
In the quote from King Lear, Albany condemns Goneril's treachery and questions divine justice, wondering why God hasn't intervened to punish her evil deeds. He fears that if heaven doesn't send angels to correct these wrongs, humanity will descend into chaos, preying on itself like sea monsters. Albany grapples with the idea that humans may need to take justice into their own hands, risking perpetual violence and conflict.
What does the quote "Is there any cause in nature that makes these hard hearts" from King Lear mean?
The quote "Is there any cause in nature that makes these hard hearts" from King Lear reflects Lear's struggle to understand the cruelty of his daughters and his own harshness. He questions whether a natural reason exists for such hardness, particularly in his daughters Regan and Goneril, and himself as a king, highlighting his internal conflict between kingly duties and fatherly love.
Lear's preference for Goneril's and Regan's love over Cordelia's in King Lear
In King Lear, Lear's preference for Goneril's and Regan's love over Cordelia's stems from his desire for flattery and outward displays of affection. Goneril and Regan deceitfully exaggerate their love for him, while Cordelia offers a sincere but less grandiose expression of her love, leading Lear to favor the former two daughters initially.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.
