Shakespeare S Poetics In Relation To King Lear

First published in 1962. This volume gives as complete an account as possible of the Shakespearian experience, particularly in terms of one play, King Lear, but in general against the context of all of Shakespeare's work and that of the age in which it was created. Chapters cover: King Lear in the Renaissance; Providence; Kind; Fortune; Anarchy and Order; Reason and Will; Show and Substance; Redemption and Shakespeare's Poetics.

Is King Lear an autonomous text, or a rewrite of the earlier and anonymous play King Leir? Should we refer to Shakespeare’s original quarto when discussing the play, the revised folio text, or the popular composite version, stitched together by Alexander Pope in 1725? What of its stage variations? When turning from page to stage, the critical view on King Lear is skewed by the fact that for almost half of the four hundred years the play has been performed, audiences preferred Naham Tate's optimistic adaptation, in which Lear and Cordelia live happily ever after. When discussing King Lear, the question of what comprises ‘the play’ is both complex and fragmentary. These issues of identity and authenticity across time and across mediums are outlined, debated, and considered critically by the contributors to this volume. Using a variety of approaches, from postcolonialism and New Historicism to psychoanalysis and gender studies, the leading international contributors to King Lear: New Critical Essays offer major new interpretations on the conception and writing, editing, and cultural productions of King Lear. This book is an up-to-date and comprehensive anthology of textual scholarship, performance research, and critical writing on one of Shakespeare's most important and perplexing tragedies. Contributors Include: R.A. Foakes, Richard Knowles, Tom Clayton, Cynthia Clegg, Edward L. Rocklin, Christy Desmet, Paul Cantor, Robert V. Young, Stanley Stewart and Jean R. Brink

This volume gives as complete an account as possible of the Shakespearian experience, particularly in terms of one play, King Lear, but in general against the context of all of his work and that of the age in which it was created.

King Lear Is One Of The Most Difficult Plays Of Shakespeare. It Takes Ordinary Jealousies, Demand For Love, Sibling Rivalries, Desire For Money And Power, And Petty Cruelties To The Extreme On One Hand And Portrays Old Age In All Its Vulnerability, Helplessness, Pride And Wisdom On The Other. The Present Study Aims At Making It More Accessible To The Serious Student Of Shakespeare. Besides Providing The Socio-Political Background Of Shakespeare S Milieu, It Gives A Scene-Wise Summary Of The Text, Along With Critical Comments. It Has Numerous Citations From The Text, Thus Providing Ample Opportunity For The Reader To Become Familiar With The Text. The Analyses Of The Different Elements Of Drama Are Accompanied With The Views Of Renowned Critics. Classical Theories Of Tragedy As Well As Elizabethan Connections Have Been Lucidly And Briefly Explained. A Select Bibliography Has Been Provided At The End. The Book Is Highly Readable, Self-Contained And Comprehensive. It Will Undoubtedly Prove An Invaluable Reference Book For Both Students And Teachers Of English Literature.

King Lear, one of Shakespeare's darkest and most savage plays, tells the story of the foolish and Job-like Lear, who divides his kingdom, as he does his affections, according to vanity and whim. Lear's failure as a father engulfs himself and his world in turmoil and tragedy.

"The Tragedy of King Lear" by William Shakespeare is a profound exploration of family, power, and the human condition. Set in ancient Britain, the play follows the titular character, King Lear, as he divides his kingdom among his three daughters, Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia, based on their expressions of love for him. However, Lear's rash decision leads to chaos and tragedy as he is betrayed by those closest to him and descends into madness. At the heart of the play is Lear's journey from arrogance and folly to humility and self-awareness. As Lear's world unravels around him, he is forced to confront the consequences of his actions and the true nature of love and loyalty. Alongside Lear's story, the play explores themes of injustice, madness, and the destructive effects of unchecked ambition. The subplot involving Gloucester and his sons, Edgar and Edmund, further explores these themes, as Edmund's Machiavellian schemes lead to betrayal and tragedy within the family. The play's tragic conclusion leaves audiences contemplating the fragility of human relationships and the inevitability of suffering in the face of a chaotic and indifferent world. Through its rich language, complex characters, and timeless themes, "The Tragedy of King Lear" continues to captivate audiences with its searing portrayal of the human condition. Shakespeare's exploration of power, betrayal, and redemption offers profound insights into the complexities of the human psyche, making the play a timeless masterpiece that resonates with audiences across generations.

Originally published in 1984. With selections organised chronologically, this collection presents the best writing on one of Shakespeare’s most studied plays. The structure displays the changing responses to the play and includes a wide range of criticism from the likes of Coleridge, Hazlitt, Moulton, Granville-Barker, Orwell, Levin, Stampfer, Gardner and Speaight interspersed with short entries from Keats, Raleigh, Freud and others. The final chapter by the editor elucidates his own thoughts on Lear, building on his commentary in the Introduction which puts the collection in context.