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King Lear: Motifs and mini themes - Coggle Diagram
King Lear: Motifs and mini themes
Theme of nihilism and motif of nothingness
the word "nothing" recurs constantly throughout the play from multiple characters.
repetition highlights lack of meaning resulting from nothingness, when everything is destroyed, it is not possible to compare anything, without ability to compare, nothing can have any meaning
the ending doesn't offer any justice as nearly the entire social order, good and bad, is annihilated and turned to nothing
having ‘nothing’ was seen as a state to avoid. In reality, only after you have nothing can you learn to enjoy what you do have,
Irony appears with how when the King loses all, it abides by what he said: “nothing will come of nothing”. He took away his daughter's dowry and in turn has lost a home.
Nothing is also used as an insult on several occasions- “nothing I am”, can be seen as an insult to a lower social class.
Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say.” Literally, ‘the wheel has come full circle’. King Lear has learned that often ‘nothing’ can show more care than hyperbolic love.
Motif of the storm
The storm is both real and an encapsulation of Lear’s madness, symbolising Lear's final affront to dignity
Lear’s madness made physical. Reiterates the theme of the abstract being made physical
This represents divine justice as if nature itself is angry about the political disarray that has engulfed the kingdom
Lear has attempted to run away from his responsibilities, but now he must face what he has done (the storm is a physical representation of this).
irony that Lear is able to see the world more clearly now he has been divested of former power. Like other characters he learns most when he is displaced from his natural position.
Lear also sees the storm as a form of penance on those who have sinned, believing the storm and kingdom should represent his feelings
Lear’s failure to be able to manipulate nature, as it is out of his reach is parallel to his inability to be able to control the actions of his daughters
Lear’s loss of mind could reflect the loss of natural hierarchy, leading to abnormal weathers such as the storm.
Motif of clothing
Used as a symbol for power and status - the shifts of power is reflected in the removal and wearing of clothing
The more opulent the clothing, the higher their status
outward appearance is often deceptive -not always a reflection of a character’s position, respect and honour
Often see virtuous characters in disguises so they can still do good in their lower hierarchical roles
clothing develops the corruption of order - visual representation of a character’s downfall and dishonour
Lear’s nudity during the storm highlights the height of his madness. When he reclothes himself shows him regaining his identity and sense of self
Regan and Goneril’s fine clothing is associated with their deceitfulness and acts as a symbol of their desire for power.
Motif of animals
show the nature of each character and how other characters perceive them.
humans too often display characteristics (cruelty, carnal desires) entirely natural in animals but considered inappropriate in humans.
Goneril and Regan are associated with savage creatures. They are cruel predators who prey on their father, who becomes weak enough for them to take advantage of.
Lear’s vulnerability is emphasised through animalistic imagery
"come not between the dragon and his wrath"- a warning to Kent and the dragon is used in the bible as a description of the devil.
Animals also present a vision of what humans can descend to/ what they have ascended from.- "allow not nature more than nature needs, mans life as cheap as beasts"
theme of fate vs free will
ideas of astrology present throughout, those with hamartia's blame external forces
to what extent is it put into motion from the inciting incident
is the tragedy set in place by fate before it even begins
links to idea of nihilism with a world devoid of hope and justice
motif of the natural
could mean:
in accordance with the natural order: 'normal'
related to nature and the natural world
a 'natural child' is one born out of wedlock
a 'natural' was used to describe simpletons or idiots.
Unnatural, could mean anything that goes against the natural order, or is not 'normal'.
abstract, internal, within- inherent or essential qualities
everything that is not man-made. Nature is the antithesis of culture, society and civilisation.The cruelly ambivalent natural world that is depicted in the play is a counterpoint to the flimsy, fabricated web of social relations at the court.