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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 5 page essay that analyzes Act II, scene iv, lines 266-288, in which King Lear addresses his daughters in a speech where the reader/audience not only discern Lear's frustration and anger at not having his will obeyed, but also hear his mounting desperation and fear. While, on the surface, the dispute covered in this passage appears to be simply how many servants Lear can keep with him while residing with one of his daughters, a closer examination of this passage places it thematically with the various ways in which Shakespeare dramatizes the foibles in Lear's thinking. No additional sources cited.
Page Count:
5 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khiiiv.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
not having his will obeyed, but also hear his mounting desperation and fear. While, on the surface, the dispute appears to be simply how many servants Lear can keep with
him while residing with one of his daughters, a closer examination of this passage places it thematically with the various ways in which Shakespeare dramatizes the foibles in Lears thinking.
It reveals the dichotomy between Lears actions, in giving up the throne, and his desires, his desire to retain authority. In so doing, Shakespeare paints a vivid picture of
a crushed man who has no way of rebuilding his own sense of identity. The context of the situation that prompts Lears rage in the cited passage is that
Regan cannot understand her fathers demand that she house his entire retinue. Why, she asks, does he need a twenty-five, ten or even five servants when there are twice that
many (of her servants) standing ready to serve him -- "What need one?" (II.iv.266). Lear responds with a lengthy diatribe that begins with his imploring Regan to "reason not
the need" (II.iv.267). He argues that the difference between people and beasts is that human begins require more than the fundamental basics in life. In other words, Lear makes
it clear that his need for his retinue does not stem from physical need, but rather is a symbolic of his status in life, his authority. Lear points out that
Regans clothes "scarcely keep thee warm" (II.iv.273). Rather than for warm, her clothes are clearly chosen for their appearance. Furthermore, the implication is that Regans clothing is appropriate to her
station in life. Lear is arguing that he needs his retinue for similar reasons. At this point, in total frustration at not being understood, Lears speech takes on a desperate
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