Summary
Summary King lear act 4
These notes include quotes, context and analysis of all scenes in act 4 of King Lear. notes come from a variety of sources and got me an A in A-Level English literature!
[Show more]
Connected book
Book Title:
Author(s):
- Edition:
- ISBN:
- Edition:
1 review
By: aoifejmoore • 1 year ago
Content preview
King lear-Act 4written by
ncarlin1998
www.stuvia.com
Downloaded by: jessicagreenlee | jessicagreenlee@icloud.com
Distribution of this document is illegal
, Stuvia.co.uk - The Marketplace for Revision Notes & Study Guides
King Lear
Act 4 Scene 1
- There is structural symmetry in the play as Gloucester, who is now at the nadir of his
fortunes, parallels with Lear on the heath
- Through Edgar’s soliloquy, the message of human suffering is universalised. There is an
implication in the play that it is only when one reaches the nadir of fortune that hope and
optimism can be gained, “The lowest and most dejected thing of Fortune / Stands still in
Esperance; lives not in fear.” There is a suggestion; both by Lear and Edgar, that suffering
can have a liberating effect. Edgar’s stoical acceptance of his own suffering elevates his
heroic status. However, this statement is ironic as Edgar’s fortunes will be depleted even
further when he sees his blind father.
- The agonised repetition, “World, world O world!” emphasises Edgar’s shock, horror and
disbelief. It also has a universalising effect as it explores suffering as an intrinsic aspect of the
human condition.
- Edgar’s disguise is used as a vehicle for generating dramatic irony in the scene as Gloucester
repents for what he has done to Edgar, without realising that Edgar is present.
- There is an implicit reference to fate and the external forces at work, “thy strange
mutations make us hate thee.” The workings of fate and fortune and the actions of the gods
are much more inscrutable in King Lear than in Burial at Thebes
- Through the powerful use of negatives, “I have no way and therefore want no eyes”
Gloucester’s stoical acceptance of his punishment is evoked. There is an implication of the
ameliorative effects of suffering
- The paradox, “I stumbled when I saw” suggests the anagnorisis of Gloucester who is
ironically more aware of his moral failings now that he his blind. (tragic emotions- pity/fear)
However, it could be argued that this anagnorisis is only partial as he still fails to recognise
Edgar in disguise (familial failings)
- The powerful use of aside and superlative language, “I am worse than e’er I was” evokes
the agony of Edgar at the recognition of the extremity of his father’s suffering.
(disproportionate suffering / tragic emotions) The sententious tone of Edgar’s remarks
suggests the clarity that can come with insanity (link to Lear)
- Through the use of the simile, “As flies to wanton boys, are we to th’ Gods / They kill us for
their sport” there is a characterisation of the gods in the play There is an implication of the
lack of a divine scheme and the random nature of fate. There is a suggestion in Edgar’s
words that extreme suffering is heaped on humanity by the gods. However, in this play the
majority of the suffering can be linked back to acts of human evil (theme- man Vs. gods)
Downloaded by: jessicagreenlee | jessicagreenlee@icloud.com
Distribution of this document is illegal
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller kaitlynmccoy. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £6.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
73216 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy revision notes and other study material for 14 years now