King Lear

King Lear

1. Act 1 Scene 1 "Which of you shall we say doth love us the most" Exposition (Early hints of the coming conflicts)

   • King Lear accentuates his hubris by challenging the daughters to confess their love
     • Hamartia (fatal flaw) is that of his stubborn harshness. The concept that love should be voiced as opposed to naturally portrayed illustrates his ignorance
     • This creates conflict between the sisters as they are positioned to competition (particularly Gonerill and Regan)
       • Family aspecattions and loyalty which leaves space for chaos and disorder
         • The fight for power illustrates materialistis world
           • Cordelia's "nothing" sparks conflict and irrational reaction is evoked within King Lear
             • Also illstrates her honesty
             • Love is real but Lear is blinded by the truth
   • Domestic tragedy
   • Apollonian (ideology that everything is ordered)
     • Transition to Dyonisian (irrationality + darkness)

2. "come not between the dragon and his wrath"

   • Rising action
   • the prominent moment in which Lear develops raging temper (choleric)
     • This leads to Lears' loyal friend Kent's banishment
       • "five days we do allowthse for provisionto shield thee "
         • Symbolism of Jupiter - fate
           • religious imagery
             • "By jupietr this shall not be revoked"
               • will not change his destiny