LEC052026. Jyothis Cyriac - Critical analysis of the significance of Lear's madness in King Lear

Q. What is the significance of the reference to Lear's madness in King Lear ?

 

1.In King Lear, Shakespeare has pointed out that there is no human emotion stronger and more powerful than the passion of madness.

2.How insanity drives the characters is an important aspect of the play.

3.There is actual madness of King Lear and feigned madness of Edgar who disguises as a beggar.

3.An understanding of Lear's madness is inevitable in interpreting the play.

4.We come across an arch like progress in the passion of Lear which ultimately lead him to the realisation of his folly. 

 

Critically discuss the significance of the reference to Lear's madness in King Lear

Draft 1

  • Shakespeare has made many daring experiments in the portrayal of abnormal mental conditions in his play King Lear.
  • In Lear, we identify the fullest expression to the strongest passions by which man can be agitated.
  • The mental shock of his daughters' ingratitude followed by the physical shock of the storm unhinges the mind of Lear.
  • In a sense, the storm outside is the representation of fierce inner storm that troubles Lear.
  • Madness helped him to avoid severe stress of the situation.

Draft 2

  • In a world that does not seem to make sense - a world of death, of ingratitude, of raging storms - madness might be the most sane reaction.
  • Though it is difficult to trace the beginning of Lear's madness, it is vividly clear that it ends with change in perceptions and self realisation of Lear.
  • Madness helps to recover from the blows of evil fortune and regain the rational thinking.
  • Madness acts as a shield from the extreme bitter realities that may even lead to violent death.
  •  Reason in madness, madness in reason: this double paradox is used throughout the play.

 

 

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