Essays and Research Papers on King Lear

A 5 page paper which examines love and power within the family relationships of both plays, how each is specifically affected and determine the complexities within the relationships. No additional sources are used.

A 5 page paper analyzing the twin plots of Shakespeare's play -- that of the dispossession of Lear by his two evil daughters, and the usurpation of Gloucester's lands and power by his illegitimate son. The paper shows that the moral of both stories is the same: that we do not always judge our children ...

This 3 page essay offers analysis of the last act of King Lear and the writer discusses how this act reflects the patterns established earlier in the play. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 6 page paper contrasting the varying ways justice is defined in this epic work by Shakespeare. The paper concludes that 'earthly justice' is dispensed according to subjective human affections and can thus be either merciful or cruel, while 'divine justice', or the forcible return of events to the way they were originally ordained ...

In three pages answers to these questions are provided, with the fates of Lear and Cordelia and redemption the focus of the first question with the second question considering what the glimpses into Hal’s tortured soul reveal about the inner conflict of Henry V and how he is perceived. Five sources are listed in ...

An 8 page paper comparing and contrasting these two Shakespeare plays. In terms of contrast, there are few of Shakespeare's plays that have more points of difference between them than 'King Lear' and 'Twelfth Night.' 'King Lear' is the darkest tragedy Shakespeare wrote; 'Twelfth Night' is a rousing, bawdy comedy that has lost nothing in the 350 ...

This 3 page paper discusses the way in which their honesty ruins Cordelia, Kent and Gloucester in Shakespeare’s “King Lear.” Bibliography lists 2 sources.

In 5 pages, the author discusses the subplot of the Earl of Gloucester and his role in William Shakespeare's King Lear. No other sources are cited.

A 10 page paper which examines conflicting values and emotional tensions within the families of Shakespeare’s works lead to disruption and damage. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

In 5 pages, the author analyses all the things that King Lear learns in William Shakespeare's King Lear. ''The Tragedy of King Lear' is, as its title claims, a tragedy that was written by William Shakespeare. Both the primary plot and the sub-plot in the play contain tragic elements and great suffering. ...

A five page paper looking at the way suffering transforms William Shakespeare’s “King Lear” from an arrogant, dictatorial king into a man who realizes the folly of his ways. The paper shows that he is brought down by his own vanity, but humbled by his recognition that he has brought it upon himself. No additional ...

A 3 page essay that examines the "madness" scene from King Lear. The writer argues that Lear is driven to madness by the realization of what his life has become. Additionally, Lear is driven to the brink of insanity because he realizes that he was a very poor king, having never satisfactorily looked after his ...

This 5 page report discusses two plays, written centuries apart, that include the concept of madness in the family as one of the key factors of the story. “King Lear,” one of Shakespeare’s darkest tragedies, tells of man who despite his mantle of power and royalty is as deluded as any other human and as easily blinded by his own ...

An 8 page paper which examines how Edmund is a Machiavellian character of scheming complexity, and may be perceived as both villainous and sympathetic. Specifically considered is the character’s political development and how he will exploit any opportunity to achieve his goals. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

This 5 page report makes a comparison between Shakespeare’s “King Lear” and Grouch Marx’s “Rufus T. Firefly” from the 1933 movie “Duck Soup.” Both rely on the audience’s expectations as part of the larger story. In “King Lear” those expectations are justifiably founded. In “Duck Soup,” expectations are turned upside down and made ridiculous. “King Lear” serves as ...

A 6 page essay that discusses the way in which Shakespeare portrays father/daughter relationships. Generally speaking, these relationships can be characterized as loving, with the father taking an appropriate attitude toward his daughter. However, in understanding this relationship within the cultural context of Shakespeare’s era, the Elizabethan perspective on gender roles and the manner in ...

A 5 page paper which compares and contrasts the characters of Marlow and Kurtz in “Heart of Darkness” with Lear and Gloucester in “King Lear.” No additional sources are used.

A seven page paperlooking at William Shakespeare's King Lear and Dante's Inferno in terms of their use of animal symbolism as a metaphor for the monstrous aspects of the human psyche. The paper concludes that in both works human weakness and shortsightedness bear responsibility for a punishment which sometimes doesn't seem to fit the crime. ...

A 5 page paper which examines moral issues in a trio of Shakespearean plays. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This is an 8 page paper that provides an overview of patriarchal values in Homer and Shakespeare. An annotated bibliography is included. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

In three pages this paper examines the relationships fathers King Lear and the Earl of Gloucester had with their daughter and son throughout the course of the play. Five sources are listed in the bibliography.

A 5 page paper which compares three passages from Act I of William Shakespeare's "King Lear" (I.i.85-93), (I.i.148-159), and (I.iv.106-126), to determine the significance or pattern that arises when the passages are read alongside each other. Also considered is the language itself used in these passages with close attention not only to what is said ...

In three pages specific quotes from these respective classic works of literature are contextually interpreted and analyzed. Two sources are listed in the bibliography.

A 10 page paper which examines how each play explores the theme of appearance and reality. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 5 page paper which considers the fairness of systems of punishment administered by fallible magistrates, discusses how these plays engaged contradictions between justice as an ideal and justice as a set of procedures for enforcement of a legal code, how Shakespeare’s treatment of the theme shapes both plays, and whether or not the nature ...