Act 2 Scene 4

Act 2 Scene 4

Within this particular scene Shakespeare is unraveling the cruelty, brutality of Lears’ daughters’ and one can see that Lear is finally coming to the realization that his daughter’s are indeed deceitful. This came to his attention when Regan and her husband locked his served Kent in the stocks because of his conduct. Also, the refusal of his daughter’s listening to Lears command when he sends for them to explain the situation at hand. In addition both his daughters made comment about Lear being senile and reaffirm the fact that he is no longer King and does not have any sort of authority to be heard and being accompanied by his knights.
The Fool becomes a witness of this chaos and makes rather interesting and truthful statement at hand to Lear. The Fool makes sarcastic statements to illustrate his points effectively to the King, by doing this he does not seem to disrespect the King authority but uses comedy so his words does not become too harsh. For example, he stated within this scene “but for all this thou shalt have as many dolors for thy daughters as thou canst tell in a year.” This statement made by the Fool was saying “but despite all this, your daughters will give you a lot of money—or do I mean pain?—in the coming year.” One can see that the Fool didn’t mean that his daughters would not give Lear finance but rather ill treat him by afflicting both psychological and physical pain towards him during the year.
In addition, by the Fool’s comments it evident to say that he is an individual who is loyal to his master because he will stand in support whether bad or good situations arises. This was seen when he stated “that sir which serves and seeks for gain, and follows but for form, will pack when it begins to rain and leave thee in the storm. But I will tarry. The fool will stay. And let the wise man fly.” This indeed shows that the Fool is in fact loyalty to those who he serve.

The Fool is the most foolish character in the play King Lear. Defend or refute this agreement. Use specific examples from the play to support your ans

The Fool is the most foolish character in the play King Lear. Defend or refute this agreement. Use specific examples from the play to support your answer.

In order to explain, analyze and make a clear conclusion on this topic the main term must first be defined. According to the Collier’s Dictionary fool is defined as a person with little or no judgment, common sense and wisdom. Within this essay the position taken will be in opposition to the moot that the fool is the most foolish character in the play King Lear. The specific points in support of this topic will be; the fool is able to make prophecies that are real, being analytical, having a good recollection of past events and the fact the fool is assertive.
Other scholars would agree that the Fool within Shakespeare is actually foolish because he stayed subjected to Lear although his words were not being taken into consideration by the individuals surrounding him. However, one must stand in full affirmation with Professor Bradley who states “the fool has an impact way beyond his status.” This is so because the Fool was able to make prophecies that always came through in a matter of time. For example in Act 1 Scene 4 he stated the downfall of the Kingdom and the deceit of Goneril and Regan and these prophetic images came to pass. The question must be asked can an individual who has an impact beyond their status be foolish, can an individual who make prophetic statement be foolish? The answer to this question is a resounding no. An individual who portray these attributes cannot be foolish.
Also, the Fool within King Lear is not foolish because of the mere fact that he could have been seen to be analytical. The Fool tells Kent that “Lear has blessed Cordelia and cursed Goneril and Regan by sending her away. This statement is seen to be analytical because an ordinary person would see only the present situation but he looked beyond this and saw the results because Cordelia was actually blessed, since she escaped from the misery life of her sisters and father. A person who is primarily foolish would not be such a deep thinker and analytical.
In addition, it can be said that the fool was able to remember occurrences from the past, in other words he had a good recollection. Not only had he a good recollection but he was able to use this ability effectively. This can be seen where the Fool stated “nothing can come of nothing.” Making a recollection of what King Lear told his daughter when she said she had nothing to say. This was seen to be significant by the Fool since he figured the King will be left with nothing also.
Finally, the Fool can be said to be assertive because he does not need to justify his words like a fool would. A true fool would like to justify his words where as one who is not would not try to persuade you to believe him. Due to the fact it is not a necessity for him to justify his prophecies this allows Lear to start to believe the fools’ prophetic promises and sayings. A person with normal intelligence would not find a fool statement to be valid or reliable. However, one can see this was not case since he was not actually foolish.

Act 2 Scene 1

Act 2 Scene 1

1. The dramatic significance of Curan with reference to the war between the Duke of Albany and the Duke of Cornwall was very important for Edmund since it helped to set the parameters for his scheme. That is, Curan was the one to inform Edmund of the arrival of the Duke of Cornwall and the rumors of Duke Albany and Duke Cornwall’s dispute. As a result Edmund realized it was an ideal time to let his scheme unfold to get rid of Edgar. Edmund persuades Edgar by stating Cornwall is angry with him for being on Albany’s side of their disagreement.

2. Edmund completely convinces Gloucester of Edgar’s guilt by stating Edgar tried to incorporate him in his plot to kill his father. He also states that Edgar injure him because of his reluctance to join force with his plot causing him to flee

3. The part played by Regan in this scene can be seen to be hypocritical. This is so because she stated that Edgar was influenced to kill his father for his riches and wealth, she was eager to make these speculations and conclusions. However, this is exactly the situation she and her sister were in, by gaining Lear’s assets through deceit.

4. The type of character we learn from Cornwall is that he lacks in making good judgment. This is so because he believed the lies of Edmund easily without addressing both individuals involved.

Analyzation of the Fool and his Dramatic significance

Within Shakespeare’s style of writing there is always a particular character that never portrays some form of seriousness. In the novel of King Lear this character was “The Fool”. In assessing the Fool when reading it was detected that he was not taken seriously by the individuals around him. This was so because no one thought they needed to take his words into consideration since it didn’t seem there were any reliability and validity to his speeches. For example the Fool informed Lear that he had made a wrong decision by giving his power to his eldest daughter’s Regan and Goneril. However, these allegations were ignored tremendously by Lear. Within the video one could depict easily Lear’s unbelieving attitude towards the Fool, when he was stating “wise men can also make foolish choices”. In addition, when Lear was leaving Goneril’s house because of her betrayal behavoiur and relocating to Regan’s house the Fool mentioned that she would not treat him any better. However, these statements were once gain heard but ignored.

The Fool can be seen to be significant in Shakespeare’s novel because not only he brings entertainment and comedy to the novel but also seems to be a guardian for good individuals by warning them of deceitful villains who plot secretly against them. For example when he warns Lear against the choices he made with his daughter’s Regan and Goneril who are actually deceitful.

King Lear and a Visual Presentation

Analysis of the Video Clip of Shakespeare

In the beginning of Shakespeare’s King Lear video clip it was seen that Lear was dividing his kingdom amongst his three daughters, whom had to express their love towards Lear via a speech. Cordelia (Lear’s favourite daughter) didn’t satisfy her father entirely due to the fact he was expecting more quality in her speech rather she gave less as oppose to her older sisters. The reason for this was her personality was reserved and honest unlike her sisters who provided flattery speeches. As an event of his disappointment Lear decided to divide his kingdom to his older daughter’s Goneril and Regan and banished his loved daughter Cordelia. Kent who was Lear’s friend intervened with Lear’s decision and opposed since he thought he was a making a wrong decision, as a result of his intervention caused him to be banished also. The King of France who saw the actions of Lear’s decided to heal Cordelia’s wound inflicting on her and took her hand in marriage, although Lear refused to help them financially. Therefore, it appeared that evil prospered over good because the most loved ones were sent away as oppose to the ones who were pretending and being dishonest is their actions.

Comparison & Contrast of the Book & Video

In the video the audience was able to depict a clearer meaning of the play since visual imagery was used. This allowed the viewer to see each character’s actions, and personality as oppose to reading the novel. Also, most importantly Shakespeare’s style of writing was shown more in the video presentation, rather than reading the novel, where one may have to assume the facial expressions of his characters. For instance, the audience was able to see Lear’s anger because of Cordelia’s response. However, when reading the book one would be able to refer to information easily because the information is already provided. In addition, literacy is promoted as oppose to video watching.