LECO52016. Christy Mariya Joy. Significance and Critical Analysis of Lear's Madness in King Lear.

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

1. Madness is a recurring theme in Shakespeare's plays.

2. It is difficult to point out one specific event that actually triggered Lear's madness.

3. How is insanity affects the king himself and his life is an important aspect in the play.

4. The words spoken out of madness is a result of the insights of his mind.

5. Lear's madness and wisdom progress in parallel throughout the play.


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

Draft 1

1. The events of the play revolve around the madness of the possession of the old king.

2. The irony is that Lear, who is "sane but insane" at the beginning of the play changes to "insane but sane" at the end.

3.Madness is a shield from the pain of reality.

4. The storm outside reflects Lear's madness, both of which are destructive.

5. Lear's madness gave him a clarity of vision which made realize the seriousness of the situation.

Draft 2

1. Lear, the mad king, is perhaps the closest and most salient example to the characteristics of madness.

2. King Lear explores different forms of such 'madness', which defined a wide range of  inappropriate behavior that are not necessarily caused by clinical insanity.

3. Reason in madness, madness in reason: this double paradox is used throughout the play.

4. Madness is also used to develop the theme of man versus self in King Lear.

5. Losses caused by Madness in the play offers a meditation on kingship and power or, more accurately, the loss of power.


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