Rap up on Lear // Tue and Me

Original Note:
TUE:
The essence of King Lear, in my view, ... Lear is distorted emotion (he doesn't understand the developments that take place around him, which confuses him to the point of desperation). What I mean by that is that, by this perspective, the character of Lear specifically represents distorted emotion, one of the consequences of which is that he lacks the rational attitude to be open to education (in contrast, his daughters represent reason, but of a loveless kind). Lear's tragedy, to a large extent, is his inability to understand what is going on, although several characters, incl. Gloucester, attempt to explain it to him. If we are consistent in seeing Lear as distorted emotion, then his death is not a tragedy in itself, but the end of tragedy;
the end of distorted emotion. I like this view myself, because it indicates that Kent, the Fool, Gloucester, etc. were successful in the end, in their endeavor to make Lear understand the situation. Gradually, in the final scene with the dead Cordelia, Lear's madness subsides and his death signifies that the distortions, the confusion, the despair are gone. As far as I am concerned, the end is therefore not a disaster but the establishing of a new and much improved order; Edgar's rule. It is therefore very much possible to see the play as a continuing and ultimately successful attempt at educating Lear.

- T.S.

ME:

I have thought a lot about what you have said...about Lear representing distorted emotion.  I'm not sure if i agree, tell me if this make sense or if i actually agree but am using different words:

In thinking about Lear i though one could sum up his great change with one of his last lines..."will sing like birds i' th' cage." I think it's pride that gets in his way. And when he is able to let go of pride or have it beaten out of him, he realizes what is actually important...why the caged birds sing...

...Why Do Caged Birds Sing?...

It seems to me Lear follows this pride cycle that breaks a little too late.

I would love your thoughts,

Christopher Morgan

TUE:

Hi Chris,

It's a fine take! The beauty of Shakespeare is he can be interpreted in lots of different ways. Keep up the good work! :-)

ME:
Thanks for all your comments...
Also i really liked your write up on Taymor’s Tempest, i really enjoyed that
production.

TUE:
Cool! My latest Shakespeare DVD review can be found here:
http://theshakespearestandard.com/2011/11/28/oberon%E2%80%99s-orb-multimedia-news-for-the-week-of-november-28-2011/

And I am reviewing Kozintsev's 1970 King Lear here:
http://flickfeast.co.uk/reviews/dvd-reviews/king-lear-1970/


All the best,
- Tue