King Lear Analysis

Lear Analysis From the beginning of the book to the point we’ve read to now (Scene 4) our protagonist, King Lear, has undergone a massive character development. At the start he was a generous and powerful king. His generosity spanned to the point of giving up his throne and kingdom to his daughters. Even though he did not grant Cordelia land it is still a lot to give up after a long reign of kingship. His power and confidence is shown when he is talking with his daughters and Kent stands up to him for what he is saying, to which he replies “Come not between a dragon/ and his wrath” (1.1.124). Farther down in his development we see that he becomes run down, confused, and a little crazy. Regan asks Lear to dismiss 50 of his soldiers which is completely reasonable, seeing as he doesn’t need them or any for that matter. Obviously upset by this, Lear replies with; “Return to her, and fifty men dismissed?/ No, rather I abjure all roofs, and choose/ To wage against enmity o’ the air,/ To be comrade with the wolf and owl-…” (2.4.207-210). His run-down attitude and craziness is really showcased when he rambles on about the weather in a fit of rage, connecting it to the circumstances with his daughters, “Rumble they bellyful! Spit, fire! Spout, rain!/ Nor rain, wind, thunder, fire are my daughters…” (3.2.14-15). Lear seems to border insanity and what happens next will be interesting to find out. Women Analysis in King Lear The role of women in the play is near inexistent. Women in the play should not be seen as characters, but as enhancements. They have a material worth, there is a general absence of them throughout the entire play, and even when they contribute it can easily be done by a man. When Cordelia does not satisfy Lear with a flattering answer, Lear strips her of a dowry and disowns her. Burgundy changes his mind of taking her as his wife since she is worth nothing, “Pardon me, royal sir./ Election makes not up in such conditions.” (1.1.208). The absence of