Essay Prompt #2:

To what extent is a character’s acquired self-knowledge essential to the resolution of a work? Justify your answer with reference to a work you have studied in this course.

Thesis:

Although Lear’s flaws cause him to trigger the tragic series of events early in the play, Lear’s death and the resolution can only be reached once he fully realizes the mistakes he made and gains the insight he sorely lacked when the play began.

Directional Statement:

For the play to be concluded, Lear must recognize his hamartia, hubris, and his erroneous judgement of others.

Point 1: Lear realizes his hamartia

 (2.4.287, 289-290) At Gloucester’s castle when his daughters keep decreasing the number of knights he’s allowed to keep, Lear starts to show regret at giving away the kingdom. This is also supported by the fact that he attempts to reassume power.  (3.2.19-20) Out in the storm with the fool, Lear begins to realize that giving away the kingdom to his daughters was a mistake  (3.4.68-70) In the hovel with Poor Tom, Lear automatically assumes that Tom was made poor and crazy because he gave away all he had to his daughters. This shows that Lear has recognized his initial mistake (hamartia), but not his hubris because he is still blaming his daughters  (4.7.53-54) Finally at the end of the play, Lear reaffirms that he has recognized his hamartia saying it was his own actions that hurt him, and because the actions were caused by his flaws, showing that he has also recognized his hubris.

Point 2: Lear realizes his hubris

 (1.4) When Lear leaves Goneril, he realizes that her words in the opening scene were just flattery, but is still naïve in that he still thinks Regan was genuine  The thing that Lear struggles with the most is coming to terms with his hubris. For the longest time, he blames his daughters for his misfortune and insanity instead of himself. ex during the storm (3.2), in the hovel (3.4) and when he puts his daughters on trial (3.6)  He only begins to realize that it was his own fault in his madness, when he sees it was his ego that made his daughters flatter him as they did. He also recognizes that he was “old before he was wise”, something the fool told him at the beginning, reinforcing the fact that he has to realize things for himself for the play to resolve (4.6.115-116)  During the heath scene, Lear apologizes to Cordelia and calls himself a foolish old man. He has sacrificed his pride, no longer needs flattery, and is no longer arrogant, showing he has recognized his hubris. (4.7.69-79)

Point 3: Lear recognizes his bad judgement of others

 Very early on in the play, Lear realizes that he was wrong about each daughter. He learns the truth about Goneril and Regan at Gloucester’s castle (2.4), and says that compared to these daughters, Cordelia’s fault appeared small (1.4)  When he is with Poor Tom, he realizes that being tied down to material wealth is not something good, and he should be able to put aside what is on the surface of people (like his daughters), and see what lies underneath. So, he is able to put aside his pride and strip himself of his kingly status. Only after he does this is he able to truly look inside and find himself and understand his flaws. (3.4)  As Lear becomes more insightful towards the end of the play, he recognizes Gloucester (4.6), then Cordelia (4.7), and finally Kent (5.3)  Lear admits that he was foolish and had bad judgement about others at the very end of the play, where, paralleling Gloucester’s “I stumbled when I saw”, he says “Mine eyes are not of the best. I’ll tell you straight” (5.3.337). He dies a few lines later, showing he needed to recognize this for the play to conclude

Prompt: #2 To what extent is a character's acquired self-knowledge essential to the resolution of a work. Justify your answers with reference to a work you have studied in this course.

Thesis: The tragic ending of King Lear is directly related to the inability of the title character to recognize the folly resulting from his hubris until it is too late.

Directional Statement: King Lear's hubris leads to his hamartia, his ensuing madness ironically leads to his insight, but his insight comes when it is too late to rectify his wrongs.

Opening Sentence: Pride is widely believed to be one of the “seven deadly sins” and, as seen in the play King Lear, with good reason.

Argument One: King Lear is a proud man susceptible to flattery and he lets this hubris guide his decision making. Lear's lack of insight due to this clouding of his senses leads him to abdicate his throne, divide up his land between his two evil daughters, and banish his one honest, good daughter. Act 1, scene 1- L 125- 128: “Here I disclaim all my paternal care, Propinquity, and property of blood, And as a stranger to my heart and me, Hold thee from this forever.

Argument Two: It is only in his madness that King Lear can recognize his hamartia and take responsibility for all the harm that he has come to. King Lear realizes that it was foolish to give all his land to Goneril and Regan and not leave any for himself or Cordelia, his one truly loving daughter.

Act 2, scene 4 Act 3- Lear is in the storm and is going mad but in his insanity realizes his mistakes.

Argument Three: The play King Lear is a tragedy because it is possible to sympathize with the characters because they reach an epiphany in which they are able to recognize their mistakes and regret them but it is, unfortunately, too late to mend them. For King Lear, this moment comes in Act 4 scene 6, but by this time a plan has been set in motion to have Lear and Cordelia killed and Lear's family is destroyed beyond repair. King Lear's hamartia of dividing up his land between his two evil daughters set off a chain reaction which resulted, ultimately, in the tragic ending of the play with his death.

Act 4, scene 6- L 153- 160 - King Lears Epiphany: “A man may see how this world goes with no eyes. Look with thine ears: see how yond justice rails upon yon simple thief.” Act 5 scene 3- The heartbroken Lear dies with Cordelia in his arms. Essay Prompt #2: To what extent is a character’s acquired self-knowledge essential to the resolution of a work? Justify your answer with reference to a work you have studied in this course.

Lead sentence: Throughout Shakespeare’s many works of literature, many characters go on a journey to acquire self-knowledge.

Thesis: During the play, Lear attains his moment of anagnorisis by obtaining self- knowledge through his many hamartias.

Directional Statement: Shakespeare’s, King Lear proves that through the resolution of the characters Cordelia, Edgar and Kent, Lear develops self-knowledge acquired from his past mistakes.

Topic Sentence 1: Through Cordelia’s sight and statements of nothing, Lear achieves self-knowledge and realization.

Evidence: (96.1.1) (31.4.3) (74.7.4)

Topic Sentence 2: Edgar assists Lear in acquiring self-knowledge by showing him the possibility of overcoming adversity.

Evidence: (111.6.3) (86.6.4) (21.3.2) (113.4.3) (162.4.3)

Topic Sentence 3: Through Kent’s sight and determination to uphold the natural order, Lear achieves his moment of anagnorisis.

Evidence: (157.1.1) (319.3.5) (36.6.3) (158.1.1)

Prompt #2: To what extent is a character's acquired self -knowledge essential to the resolution of a work?

Thesis: King Lear acquires substantial insight throughout his journey and uses this knowledge to provide himself with a peaceful death. Directional Statement: Lear acquires this knowledge by going through things such as his family issues, the meeting at the hovel, and his forgiveness at the conclusion.

Paragraph 1: After his two daughters, Goneril and Regan, betray him he realizes his mistakes have come back to haunt him. Act 1, Scene 3 … Act 1, Scene 4. Paragraph 2: When Lear meets Edgar, or Mad Tom, at the hovel he learns through Edgars philosophies how to deal with his issues. Act 3, Scene 5

Paragraph 3: At the conclusion of the play Lear realizes his mistakes and pleads forgiveness from Cordelia and Kent and also accepts their apologies. Act 5, Scene 3

Prompt: #3 Adversity is the most important factor in shaping character and/or identity. Assess the validity of this statement with reference to a work that you have studied in this course.

Thesis: The many challenges faced by Edgar are critical in developing and shaping his character. Directional Statement: Edmund begins the play as a naive, easily manipulated fool but begins to change as he disguises himself as Poor Tom in order to hide from the authorities and concludes the play as a wise and insightful man.

Body 1: Edgar's gullible and naive character allow him to be easily betrayed by his brother. - Edmund easily tricks Edgar into fleeing Gloucester's castle and carrying a weapon. Act 1 Scene 2 - Edgar's naive character doesn't let him see how convenient everything is for Edmund. - Even Gloucester thinks Edgar is too stupid to be acting like a traitor. Act 1 Scene 2 line 60

Body 2: Edgar's escape from Gloucester's castle and his time spent as a beggar finally allowed his character to begin developing. - Inside the hollow of a tree where he is hiding, Edgar realizes that he has nothing and must now become nothing (insight) Act 2 Scene 3 line 63 - He is starting to become wise, he connects with nature and knows he can hide himself by appearing as the lowliest of creatures, a beggar. (theme, appearance vs. reality) - Edgar's new insight is also shown as he is chosen to be on the imaginary jury judging Goneril and Regan and by the tears he sheds for Lear's sad condition.

Body 3: Edgar's long and difficult struggles throughout the novel have shaped him into a wiser, more insightful character: - Shows his new wisdom by creating plan with the letter to Albany that will let him denounce Edmund and regain his position. Act 5 Scene1 line 46 - His new insight let him see that Edmund and him are equals, your actions shouldn't be based on your position but by your character. Act 5 scene 3 - Edgar's new insight let him see that this was actually Gloucester's fault for having a bastard son, he brought everything upon himself. Act 5 scene 3 line 206 Prompt #3 Adversity is the most important factor in shaping character and/or identity. Assess the validity of this statement with reference to a work studied in this course.

Thesis: Edgar’s character is shaped through many literary aspects of King Lear, but by no other factor is it impacted more significantly than by the adversity he endured and witnessed. Directional Statement: Throughout King Lear, as Edgar witnesses and endures adversity from how it is when he is first introduced to us, through to how it changes during the progression of the story, and finally to how it has become by the play’s tragic conclusion.

Point 1: beginning/introduction Topic sentence: When we are first introduced to Edgar, he is depicted as naïve, gullible, and unconfident. Point 1, naïve: I, ii, ~50-70 Point 2, gullible: I, ii, ~170 Point 3, unconfident: II, I, ~25

Point 2: progression/middle Topic sentence: Through the progression of the play, Edgar appears to be learning from experience, in the process gaining awareness, showing his loyalty to his father, and displaying his empathic nature. Point 1, more aware: II, iii, ~10 Point 2, loyal: IV, i, ~65 Point 3, empathic: III, vi, ~115; IV, i, ~5

Point 3: end/conclusion Topic sentence: Finally, nearing the conclusion of this tragic play, Edgar proves how his character has been shaped to be courageous, forgiving, and insightful. Point 1, courageous: IV, vi, ~55, ~265; V, iii, ~155 Point 2, forgiving: V, iii, ~200 Point 3, insightful: V, iii, ~395 Prompt Three

Adversity is the most important factor in shaping character and/or identity. Asses the validity of this statement with reference to a work you have studied in the course.

Thesis: The adversity Edgar encounters throughout King Lear plays an enormous role in developing and shaping his character.

Directional Statement: Edgar being tricked upon in his opening scene, the fact that he must soon afterwards disguise himself and aid King Lear of whom which his madness thrives, and when he tricks his own father to ultimately rescue him all shape Edgar into a far more insightful and wise individual.

Body Paragraph One: Topic Sentence: The Malicious brother Edmund, notably power hungry, is at once a concern toward Edgar. (1.2.126-129) Edmund pretends something bad is happening, tricking Edgar. (1.2.154) Edgar falls for Edmunds trap. (1.2.166) Edmund says he will help Edgar. Edgar fears the worst.

Body Paragraph Two: Topic Sentence: Edgars disguise may provide him with nothing, but the events which occur leave him with insightful knowledge. (3.4.120-125) Pretends he is insane to not give away his position. (3.4.135-136) The crazy Lear has bought Edgars story. Edgar learns from this how Lear has gone insane and how it was wise to go into hiding. (3.6.103-116) Edgar now understands everything and sees what is happening.

Body Paragraph Three: Topic Sentence: Gloucester’s blindness forces Edgar to save his father, and inadvertently provide a superfluity of insight. (4.6.35-36) and (4.6.45-47) Edgar starts to become extremely insightful into ways to save his father. (4.6.86) Lear enters the scene and Edgar must stay in character. Overcomes and does. (4.6.211-214) Edgar shows complete insightfulness after the bout between Lear and Gloucester. 3. Adversity is the most important factor in shaping character and/or identity. Assess the validity of this statement.

Thesis In Shakespeare’s King Lear, Edgar is a character who is able to transition from being unintelligent and static to insightful by overcoming adversity.

Directional Statement Edgar is initially introduced as gullible and dimwitted, suffers through a period of uncertainty in which he is forced to re-evaluate himself before becoming a wise and strategic individual.

1. Edgar is first introduced as one who is oblivious to trickery and those taking advantage of him.  Edmund easily convinces Edgar that his father, Earl of Gloucester, has turned against him.  Gloucester himself states that Edgar is not very bright.

2. As Edgar is forced to assume the identity of a lowly, mad-beggarman, he begins to realize the fortunate side of his misfortune.  When Edgar is in the hollow of the tree, he begins to identify with nature and undergoes a paradigm shift  He begins to realize that him as Tom the beggar who has nothing is better off than Edgar, the wanted son of a wealthy man.

3. By the end of the play, Edgar has successfully transformed into an insightful and strategic character.  Edgar uses the letter he finds from Oswald intelligently  He persistently suppresses the desire to unveil his disguise and chooses the perfect moment to do so

Prompt: (7) With reference to a work studied in this course, assess to what extent setting shapes or influences a central character.

Thesis: The different settings Lear encounters influence his actions and contribute to his realization of his hamartia.

Directional Statement: Lear is shallow and only wants flattery at the start of the play due to the authority he inherits as a king. This changes when Lear goes out into a storm and realizes how ungrateful Goneril and Regan are despite their words of love to him. Lear reaches a hovel and, after seeing how barren it is, discovers how little he thinks of those who have to suffer poverty. He believes that having little like a hovel for shelter is better than having everything because possessions do not characterize a person and can often be a burden.

Topic Sentence 1: Lear is influenced by the setting of royalty and believes he has the power and the right to do anything and to have anything. - Divides the kingdom (1.1.39-40) - Asks for love and plans to give more land to the daughter who loves him most (1.1.56) - Lear cannot accept that Cordelia shows love through her actions and does not need to state it verbally (1.1.99) Topic Sentence 2: Goneril and Regan leave Lear out in the storm, which cause him to realize how little these two daughters love him. - Thinks the weather siding with him daughters and is against him (3.2.23-26) - Recognizes his sins but does not fully admit it. He believes he has experienced more sin against him (3.2.64) - Knows that Regan and Goneril are ungrateful to him and is surprised by it (3.4.17-18) Topic Sentence 3: Lear is able to empathize with those caught in the storm and realizes that having nothing is better than having everything because it shows a person’s true character. - Pities poor people out in the storm (3.4.32-35) - Asks his Fool if he is cold or not and shows that he cares about the fool (3.2.74-75) - Considers a man caught in the storm with an “unclothed body” as “well” because the person would not be under the burdens of society (109-114) Prompt: #7 With reference to a work studied in this course, assess to what extent setting shapes or influences a central character.

Thesis: Lear’s state of mind and behaviour are influenced by the state of the world around him.

Directional: Lear’s character changes when he is in the company of his supporters, when he is in the storm and when he is at the hovel.

Point 1: Lear remains sane and comfortable when being treated like royalty. - When on the throne, he is a proud man, getting flattered by his daughters. - While accompanied by his knights, Lear still acts like he is in power and has few concerns (talking down to Goneril and moving to Regan’s). - Lear becomes sane, once again, when he is being cared for by Cordelia in Dover.

Point 2: The bare and empty hovel, which Lear’s party enters during the storm, is where he realizes that he has, and needs, nothing in life. - He meets Edgar and realizes that having nothing could be a good thing for him. - Lear feels pity for Edgar (someone other than himself). - He strips off his royal garments to symbolise that he no longer cares about power.

Point 3: While trying to survive the chaos of the storm, seemingly with few supporters, Lear goes mad. - Lear insists to fight the storm rather than returning to Gloucester’s castle. - He thinks of Tom as his philosopher. - In the hovel, Lear holds the imagined trial of his daughters.

8. Show that a characters inability to escape the difficulties of his/her past contributes to the development of a theme in a work studied in this course.

 Gloucester demonstrates that a personas inability to deal with their flaws can lead to not only self destruction but the destruction of others as well.

He clearly illustrates this through his inability to accept Edmund as illegitimate, his lack of insight in regards to Edgar and his ultimate desire to end his own life at Dover.

1. Gloucester’s inability to accept Edmund as “illegitimate” inevitably attributes to his own demise.

. Act 1 scene 1 . Act 2 Scene 1 2. His lack of insight which attributes to his incapacity to assume responsibility and question individual’s behaviour inevitably attribute to his failure as a father to Edgar.

. Act 1 Scene 2 . Act 2 Scene 1

3. Ultimately Gloucester’s desire to control his fate, and end his life in his won terms is accredited to his impotence in recognizing his flaws.

. Act 1 scene 2 (reveals beliefs in nature / stars) Act 4 Scene 1 “I stumbled when I saw…”

Prompt:

#8 Show that a character’s inability to escape the difficulties of his/her past contributes to the development of a theme in a work studied in this course.

Thesis:

Throughout the play, it is clear that the secondary character’s inability to erase his past marital affair adds to the development of the theme of natural order.

Directional Statement:

Gloucester’s unnatural wrongdoing leads his illegitimate son Edmund to seek revenge, to his betrayal of his innocent legitimate son Edgar, and eventually to the cause of his own death.

Para # 1 Topic Sentence:

Edmund’s built up anger over his inequality that is solely due to his conception, compels him to have vengeance on his father Gloucester and obtain his inheritance.

Quotes:

 “Stand in the plague of custom and permit The curiosity of nations to deprive me For that I a some twelve or fourteen moonshines Lag of a brother? Why “bastard”? Wherefore “base”?” – Act 1, Scene 2, Lines 3-6

 “Legitimate Edgar, I must have your land.” – Act 1, Scene 2, Line 16  “This is the excellent foppery of the world… had the maidenliest star in the firmament twinkled on my bastardizing.” Act 1, Scene 2, Lines 113-128

Para # 2 Topic Sentence:

Gloucester’s naivety to Edmund’s ploy leads him to disown Edgar, which demonstrates his disregardance to natural order.

Quotes:

 “O villain, villain! His very opinion in the letter! Abhorred villain! Unnatural, detested, brutish villain–worse than brutish!” – Act 1, Scene 2, Lines 73-75

 “Not in this land shall he remain uncaught…Bringing the murderous coward to the stake.” – Act 2, Scene 1, Lines 62-66

 “The villain shall not ‘scape… And of my land, Loyal and natural boy, I’ll work the means to make thee capable.” – Act 2, Scene 1, Lines 82-89

Para # 3 Topic Sentence:

Gloucester’s extremely overwhelmed state of mind caused by the events involving his legitimate and illegitimate sons, leads him to a bittersweet death.

Quotes:

 “Thou call’st on him that hates thee. It was he That made the overture of thy treasons to us, Who is too good to pity thee.” – Act 3, Scene 7, Lines 89-91

 “I stumbled when I saw…O dear son Edgar, The food of thy abused father’s wrath” – Act 4, Scene 1, Lines 22-27

 “But his flawed heart–Alack, too weak the conflict to support–‘Twixt two extremes of passion, joy and grief, Burst smilingly.” – Act 5, Scene 3, Lines 208- 211

Prompt: [12] Show how the author’s use of imagery and/or symbolism reveals theme OR reinforces aspects of character in a work studied in this course.

Thesis: Throughout the play, imagery depicting sight helps reinforce a central theme which is that a lack insight in a character can lead to their destruction, however, it is evident that the presence of insight in a character can help them reverse wrong doings.

Directional Statement: The destructive capabilities of lack of insight are demonstrated through Lear and Gloucester while the advantage of insight is displayed through Cordelia.

Topic (3):

1. Lear’s lack of insight:  Lear – “Out of my sight!” Kent – “See better, Lear, and let me still remain The true blank of thine eye” [Act 1, scene 1, lines 179-181]  Lear – “Doth any here know me? This is not Lear: Doth Lear walk thus? speak thus? Where are his eyes? Either his motion weakens, his discernings Are lethargied – Ha! waking? ‘tis not so. Who is it that can tell me who I am?” [Act 1, scene 4, lines 232- 236]

2. Gloucester’s lack of insight:  Cornwall – “See’t shalt thou never. Fellows, hold the chair. Upon these eyes of thine I’ll set my foot" [Act 3, scene 7, lines 81-82]  Gloucester – “Because I would not see thy cruel nails Pluck out his poor old eyes;” [Act 3, scene 7, lines 69-70]  Gloucester – “I have no way and therefore want no eyes;” [Act 4, scene 1, line 19]

3. Cordelia’s insight:  Cordelia – “I yet beseech your Majesty – If for I want that glib and oily art To speak and purpose not, since what I well intend I’ll do ‘t before I speak – that you make known It is not vicious blot, murder, or foulness, No unchaste action or dishonoured step That hath deprived me of your grace and favour, But even for want of that for which I am richer: A still-soliciting eye and such a tongue That I am glad I have not, though not to have it Hath lost me in your liking. [Act 1, scene 1, lines 257-268]  Cordelia – “ Why have my sisters husbands if they say They love you all? …” [Act 1, scene 1, lines 109-110]

Prompt 12 Show how an author’s use of imagery and/or symbolism reveals theme OR reinforces aspects of character in a work studied in the course.

In the play King Lear, Shakespeare develops and reinforces character through events of endless suffering caused by a lack of insight. King Lear, Gloucester and Edgar all gain insight through events of immeasurable torment.

King Lear’s lack of insight is recognized right from the beginning of the play when he fails to see the consequences of dividing the kingdom as well as banishing Cordelia and Kent, the only to people who can be his eyes. -betrayal of his daughters -insanity

Gloucester naiveté is shown through his blinded course of action against Edgar, who is supposedly planning to kill him, according to his illegitimate son, Edmund. -physical blinding -depression

Like his father Gloucester, Edgar also suffers from his credulous nature and in effect is put through a life of a miserable mad beggar. -in hiding, rags, hovel -painful sighting of Lear and Gloucester

Prompt: (16) with reference to a work studied in this course, show that the author develops a central theme through a character who is unable to change his/her course of action.

In King Lear, William Shakespeare portrays that the nature order has the potential to affect people’s standard of lives in the world, but it does not define their true identities. Shakespeare creates a young man-Edmond, the bastard of Gloucester, who initially does not belong to the chain of being in the society. Throughout the play, Edmond becomes one of the most important characters who reverses the family order, destroys the sequence of society, and break relations amongst others in order to gain authority. However, his evil actions results in his and causes people around him to suffer and ironically allows for society to be represented by people of character rather than rank.

Point one: family order is reversed by Edmond who takes the action to trick his father and brother

1) Edmond, the bastard of Gloucester, who does not have the right to inherit Gloucester’s property. When Gloucester introduce Edmond to Kent, he says “I have son, sir, by order of law, some year elder than this.” (1.119-20) the nature order states that Edmond do not have any access to his father’s inheritance, this is something he cannot change. 2) Edmond writes fake letter to trick his father believing that Edgar, the legitimate son, seeks his father’s life. 3) He provokes Edgar to flee because Gloucester is mad at him and wanting his life. Edgar and Gloucester both fall into Edmond’s trap. Gloucester reworded Edmond the inheritance of his property and authority by saying “and of my land, loyal, and natural boy, I’ll work the means to make thee capable” (2.1.97-99).

Point two: destroy the sequence of society. 1) Betrayed his father by showing Cornwall the letter which contains the information about the French army. 2) Edmond directly causes his father suffering blindness 3) Edmond is Named the Earl of Gloucester 4) Accepts Cornwall as a “new” father

Point three: directly cause other relationships broken and reverse the order of nature 1) attracted to both Goneril and Regan 2) Cause Goneril and Albany’s relationship broken. Goneril says that Albany is “milklivered man”. Goneril and Edmond plan to kill Albany 3) Sisterhood broken between Goneril and Regan. Goneril poisons Regan and then kills herself. 4) Edmond is killed by Edgar who forgives him by saying “ we are equal”

Prompt 16: With reference to a work studied in this course, show that the author develops a central theme through a character who is unable to change his/her course of action.

Introduction Paragraph Thesis: Edmund, Gloucester’s illegitimate son, feels compelled to break free of the natural order of society and his given status so that he may attain power and wealth. Directional Statement: Through his plot to destroy his legitimate brother Edgar’s relationship with Gloucester, his disloyalty to both Goneril and Regan and his ultimate act of betrayal, the destruction of his father, Edmund attempts to obtain more omnipotence than he was ever destined for. Body Paragraph 1 Topic Sentence: In hopes of gaining his father’s trust and ultimately his inheritance, Edmund plots his brother’s demise. Point 1: Letter to Gloucester framing Edgar - I ii 17-20 - I ii 58-60 - I ii 79-83 - I ii 191-192 Point 2: Lies to Edgar and sets him up by telling him to be armed when Gloucester arrives - I ii 166-171 - I ii 173-178 Point 3: Ultimately fails to gain power and wealth and is conquered by Edgar - V iii 200-207 - V iii 392-395 Body Paragraph 2 Topic Sentence: Edmund, with a total disregard for the feelings of the two women he is hurting, attempts to gain riches and power from both royal sisters, Goneril and Regan. Point 1: Agrees to be Goneril’s mistress - IV ii 25-29 - IV ii 33-35 Point 2: Leads Regan on and denies interest in Goneril - V i 8-11 Point 3: Goneril poisons Regan and commits suicide when Edmund is mortally wounded - V i 22-23 - V iii 268-269 - V iii 270-271 Body Paragraph 3 Topic Sentence: Subsequent to having triumphed over Edgar in the quest for the inheritance, Edmund vanquishes his father for his status of illegitimacy and gains the title of Earl of Gloucester. Point 1: Behaves like a trustworthy son as Gloucester confides in him - III iv 21-25 Point 2: Meets with Cornwall and explains Gloucester’s relations with the French which Cornwall perceives as disloyalty - III vi 10-14 - III vi 18-20 Point 2: Does not stop torture of Gloucester-Gloucester realises his error in judgement of Edmund - III vii 103-110

Prompt 18: Evaluate the role of family in a character’s success or failure in a work studied in this course.

King Lear’s desire for flattery and pride from his family have ultimately destroyed his perception as a hero causing him pain and suffering due to his rash decisions ,his instability of love for both Regan and Goneril, and his banishment of his most insightful family members. As the tragic hero, King Lear immediately creates a disruption within his family as he demands professions of love which consequently lead to his major demise through his poor judgement. - division of kingdom  professions of love from the daughters, failure because the eldest sisters corrupt the power they are now blessed with - believing his lying daughters Goneril and Regan  his failure because now no more redemption and loses his truest daughter Cordelia - banishing Kent and Cordelia after having stated the truth to Lear (reality) failure since they were his two most insightful family members whom have been disregarded without a second thought

The love yielded by Lear for his family is limited to such an extent that it involuntarily evolves his two eldest daughters into destructive, jealous, power seeking fiends. - by knowing that Lear favoured Cordelia over the both of them made them hungry for attention  failure as father and because of this Lear suffers the consequences - having gained the power both daughters abuse King Lear  failure since he no longer has title as king to counter their authorities - Regan and Goneril kicking poor King Lear out into the storm of Gloucester’s castle, this shows their destructive characters failure because he goes wild and continues to blame that this result was solely because of his lying daughters, but in truth it was his hamartia that led to this outcome

Through refusal of truth and facing reality, Lear banishes two of his most dependent family members that of which results in his greatest failure as the tragic hero. - Cordelia’s banishment after having said “nothing” as profession of love  failure since she was the one that would’ve cared for him and loved him to the fullest unlike Regan and Goneril - Kent banishment  mistake which costs a huge part of Lear’s sight and control over his sanity - Death of Cordelia  Lear’s failure because unfortunately due to his flaws/mistakes during his journey he was unable to protect his daughter who continuously fought for his safety. Moment of realisation too late to reverse the outcome

Prompt #20: With reference to a work studied in this course, analyze the contribution to the development of theme of THREE of the following literary techniques: imagery, symbolism, parallelism, irony, contrast, or point of view.

Thesis: In King Lear, Shakespeare uses literary techniques in order to constantly show the difference of insightfulness between character or the change of insightfulness within a character. Directional Statement: The contrast of wisdom between Lear and his people, the symbolism of Gloucester’s eyes, and the irony of the Fool with greater insight, portrays the theme of insight vs. lack of insight. Body: Lear’s lack of wisdom was significantly comparative to the insight of people lower than him as decisions were made. Act 1, scene 1, lines 100-115….Cordelia’s answer to Lear’s question - insightful Act 1, scene 1, lines 159-173….Kent’s action to stop the division of land – insightful Act 1, scene 1, lines 120-133, 144, 201-203….Cordelia’s and Kent’s banishment – lack of insight Act 3, scene 4, lines 154-162….Gloucester offers food and shelter but Lear refuses – lack of insight Act 4, scene 4, lines 51-57….Lear refuses to see Cordelia, even though she is looking for him after being banished – lack of insight

Body 2: Not only Gloucester’s eyes being pulled out caused him blindness, it also symbolized insight to Gloucester. Act 1, scene 2, lines 79-82………Example of lack of insight in Gloucester Act 3, scene 7, line 82……Gloucester loses eyes Act 3, scene 7, lines 111-112…….Gloucester gained insight Act 4, scene 1, lines 19-20……Reflection of himself

Body 3: Insight vs. lack of insight is shown through the irony of the Fool, a person of entertainment, showing more insight than a king, a person with divine power making decisions. Act 1, scene 4, lines 122-131…..Wisdom of Fool Act 1, scene 4, lines 144-155….Fool knows what has happen, but Lear still doesn’t completely realize what he has done Act 2, scene 4, lines 54-61, 75-92…..Fool giving out insightful advices Act 3, scene 2, lines 12-15….Fool’s opinion to go back to the house rather than being wet in the storm Act 3, scene 2, lines 42-43….Irony of Fool being a wise man, and Lear being a fool

Prompt #20: With reference to a work studied in this course, analyse the contribution to the development of theme of THREE of the following techniques: imagery, techniques, symbolism, parallelism, irony, contrast, point of view.

In literature, various devices such as parallelism, imagery and contrast are often used in order to further emphasize a central theme. When one lacks insight, rash and foolish decisions will be made, but a clearer understanding of one’s environment can result from the consequences of these decisions.

Point 1: Parallelism This technique is significant as it is used throughout the play between the plotlines of King Lear and Gloucester. - Lear banishes makes the rash and uninformed decision of banishing Cordelia (“out of my sight!” [1.1]) as Gloucester banishes Edgar. Their lack of insight lead them to banish their only loving and honest children. - Lear’s hubris, the tragic flaw of his need for flattery, causes him to be tricked by Goneril and Regan’s hyperbole and leaves him unable to see Cordelia’s answer for its real worth. Similarly, Gloucester’s gullibility causes him to believe the letter that Edmund ‘found’ and order for his legitimate son Edgar‘s death. His lack of insight does not allow him to see Edmund`s letter for what it really is: nothing. - Lear gains insight at the end of the play after going mad during the storm and having a sort of epiphany, and though he reunites with Kent and the beloved Cordelia, it is too late for him and his death is unpreventable. Gloucester also gains insight near the end of the play and reunites with Edgar after having his eyes gouged out by Cornwall, however, like Lear, it is too late for him and his death is unpreventable. Too much damage has already been done.

Point 2: Contrast This technique is used to juxtapose the various characters in the play, to further demonstrate how King Lear is unable to see them for who they really are due to his lack of insight. - Kent and Oswald; Kent is loyal to Lear throughout the entire play. The viewer gets a good indication of Kent’s character when he resorts to a disguise even after being banished and insulted by Lear, just to help him through his journey. Kent’s loyalty is consistent throughout the play. Oswald, on the other hand, is disloyal and despicable. Even though he is Goneril’s servant, he will go along with anyone who gives him any sort of opportunity, as demonstrated in the scene involving Regan’s pleas for him to take the letter, which he subjects to. - Edgar and Edmund; Edgar is good-natured, naïve and legitimate. He truly loves his father and has been loyal to him his whole life, as any son should. Edmund is the complete opposite of Edgar; he is deceitful, heartless, illegitimate, and willing to do whatever it takes to obtain the respect and integrity of a legitimate son. Another contrast between the two is the fact that Edgar is a dynamic character -- he evolves as a person and gains maturity as he sheds his initial naivety. Edmund is a static character. From his introduction to his death, he shows no sign of changing his evil ways. - Goneril & Regan and Cordelia; The two evil sisters are dishonest, disloyal and above all, unloving. They are so disloyal that eventually they even sell each other out for a man -- Edmund (Goneril kills Regan). They let their father out in a deadly storm and have complete disregard for his well-being despite their “professions of love” at the beginning of the play to inherit the dowry. Cordelia, in contrast, continues to be faithful to her father and accepts him at the end of the play even though he has disowned her and left her with nothing.

Point 3: Irony Irony serves to highlight both men’s lack of insight, even when insight is given to them directly. - The Fool and King Lear are repeatedly referred to as the “wise man and the fool”. Although one would think the wise man is Lear and the fool is the Fool, it is actually the other way around, since the Fool has the insight that Lear lacks, and continuously attempts to help him see past the appearances to reality. “Thou wouldst make a good Fool…Thou shouldst not have been old till thou hast been wise.” - Gloucester only gains insight once his physical sight is lost: “I stumbled when I saw”. Although he is unable to see the physical world, it enables him to see past appearances and into realities, such as the true nature and intentions of his sons Edmund and Edgar.

Prompt 20: With reference to a work studied this course, analyze the contribution to the development of the theme using THREE of the following literary techniques: Imagery, symbolism, parallelism, irony, contrast, or point of veiw.

Thesis: Throughout the play, Shakespeare uses an abundance of literary techniques to develop the theme of insight versus sight.

Directional statement: Shakespeare’s use of imagery, contrast, and symbolism are examples of such.

Shakespeare’s reference to eyes and blindness give us an image of a lost, blind Lear.

• 1.1.181 Kent states that he is the true “blank of thine eye”

• 1.1.179 Lear yells at kent to get “out of [his] sight”

• 5.3.337 Lear states that “Mine eyes are not o’ th’ best”

The contrast between insightful Kent and his good friend, the uninsightful Gloucester • Kent shows insight when he takes sides against Goneril and Regan, where as Gloucester does not see their evil.

• Kent follow Lear and serves Lear alone, trusting no one else. Gloucester allows him self to be tricked by Edmund.

• While Gloucester’s insight leads him to suicide. Kent insight could have lead the king away from this tragedy.

Shakespeare’s symbolism of the loss of Gloucester’s eyes elaborates on the theme of insight versus sight.

• Gloucester has no insight in the beginning of the play

• During the same scene, Gloucester losses physical sight and gains insight.

Prompt: (20) With reference to a work studied in this course, analyse the contribution to the development of theme of THREE of the following literary techniques: imagery, symbolism, parallelism, irony, contrast or point of view.

Thesis Statement: In King Lear, Shakespeare reveals through irony, parallelism and contrast that the characters in this play who use deception to gain power are less likely to attain self-knowledge.

Directional Statement: The dramatic irony of Edmund’s cunning plans, the parallelism of the plots following Lear and Gloucester, and the contrast between Goneril and Regan versus Cordelia demonstrates that the main plots built up in this play all consist of acts of deception.

T1: Edmund wishes to gain power by deceiving anyone he may find into making himself look better. Evidence: -Edmund’s desire to use Edgar leads into his schemes (1.2.16) “Legitimate Edgar, I must have your land.” This soliloquy also looks deeply into his will to deceive to get what he wants as he is desperate to become the more admired son and to have more power overall. -Edmund’s plan to fake a fight between him and Edgar (2.1.30) “In cunning I must draw my sword upon you”…ironic because he is actually being cunning but Edgar doesn’t know that. -Edmund’s awareness of the fact that Regan and Goneril are both in love with him, tells both of them he loves them, and gets them to hate each other. (Beginning of Act 5)

T2: The deception displayed by Regan and Goneril towards Lear mirror the deception displayed by Edmund towards Gloucester. Evidence:-The dishonesty of Regan and Goneril’s love towards their father (1.1) mirror the dishonest actions of Edmund when he plays in favour towards Gloucester (2.1) -How Regan and Goneril leave Lear out in the rain to learn his lesson and suffer (2.4) while Edmund discusses how his father Gloucester is a traitor (3.7)…this leads both Lear and Gloucester to believe that they have trusted the wrong child(ren) all along. -The hamartia displayed by both King Lear (in his decision to divide the land and misjudge his children…1.1.120-133) and Gloucester (in his favourism of Edgar over Edmund because Edgar was considered to be legitimate…1.1.9-33) lead to insanity and lack of insight which makes them unable to see their children’s deceptive manners.

T3: The malevolent intentions demonstrated by Edmund contrast the intentions of his legitimate brother Edgar. Evidence:-While Edgar is not aware of Edmund’s devious plans, he goes along with his plans and ends up being turned against by Gloucester. (2.1.30 & 41) “Now, Edmund, where’s the villain?” …this reveals that Gloucester no longer thinks that Edgar is the better child. -After all of the misconceptions that Gloucester had towards Edgar, Edgar still seeks his father’s love and doesn’t look for any revenge. He also finds out that there are always less fortunate people when he found Gloucester with his eyes plucked out and realizes that he will always need his father’s support.(4.1.7-79) -An act of deception made by Edmund is when Gloucester comes to Edmund with trust, complaining about Regan and Cornwall’s sudden assumption that they have authority over his castle, and Edmund pretends to agree with his father. Edmund doesn’t actually agree with his father’s belief of natural order, as he wants to reverse all that is natural. (3.3) This shows that Edmund’s loyalty and honour towards his father mean nothing compared to Edgar’s.

27. Conflict arises when a character's beliefs or desires are incompatible with the reality he or she faces. Judge how successfully an author expresses a central theme through the character's response to such a conflict.

Thesis:

The central conflict in King Lear is caused because of King Lear’s ignorance towards the fact that he is no longer a King.

Directional Statement:

Destroying the natural order, giving away his land but thinking he owns it, and expecting his daughters to keep him all show that king Lear did not know that he was no longer a King.

First Topic:

King Lear destroys Natural order and believes that it will not have any impact on society.  Fool makes fun of Lear for giving away land  Civil disorder follows (Edmund’s actions, fight between Britain and France)

Second Topic:

Lear gives away all his land and believes that he still has control over it.  Divides the kingdom into three parts and then two. (1.1.3-5)  Takes 100 nights with him everywhere he goes

Third Topic:

After giving everything away and accepting fake praise from Goneril and Regan, Lear believes that they will let him live at their house.  Goes to Goneril’s castle with 100 knights and then she tells him to get rid of them.  Goes to Regan’s castle to complain about Goneril and realizes she has gone to Gloucester’s castle. When he gets there Regan defends her sister’s actions and later kicks out Lear.

Prompt 27: Conflict arises when a chracter's beliefs or desires are incompatible with the reality he or she faces. Judge how successfully an author expresses a central theme through the character's response to such a conflict.

Thesis: Throughout King Lear, the play's title character reveals the destruction caused by the disruption of natural order through the conflict that stems from his unrealistic beliefs.

Directional Statement: Lear's high political, familial, and personal expectations, once implemented in the real world, all lead to destruction.

Body Paragraph 1

Topic Sentence: The King's abnormal political movements set the play's wheels in motion, and are the spark required for later catastrophic conflict in the book.

- Lear gives up his land and divides his kingdom, an unprecedented action in Act 1, Sc. 1, but following this he still has a feeling of authority of power. He continues to travel with a hundred nights, and in Act 2, Sc. 4, he becomes very angry with his daughter Regan when she demands he cuts his troop in half.

- Lear banishes his loyal servant Kent who protests Lear's actions in Act 1, Sc. 1. Here he expects to be supported, even when his decisions are clearly violating the way things should proceed. - Lear expects to be able to just resign as king without any negative consequences, which alone is very unrealistic. He then expects others to comply, and expects to decide which priveleges he keeps and which he releases.

Body Paragraph 2

Topic Sentence: Similarily, Lear carries unreasonably high expectations for members of his own family that exhibit a lack of respect for the natural order of society.

- King Lear, in dividing his kingdom, asks to be flattered by his daughters. He expects them to “heave their hearts into their mouths”. Only his favourite daughter argues this, and he consequently banishes her. His expecting to be flattered by his daughters who are quick to use him is somewhat incompatible with reality.

- In Act 3, Sc. 6, Lear holds a mock trial that reveals his claims that he has been disrespected and treated poorly by his daughters. However, in theory he should probably be respecting their wishes, as he now has “nothing”, an important motif in the play. Lear shows disrespect for the natural order by expecting his family to still treat him regally, when he actually is now their subordinate. Lear is mentally unstable by this point, and this highlight how his high expectations are leading him to insanity, and eventually death. He also asks Edgar if daughters led “Poor Tom” to madness as well. This shows how he believes that ingrateful children are the cause of his misfortune, rather then his own mistakes.

Body Paragraph 3

Topic Sentence: King Lear revealed his unrealistic beliefs throughout almost the entire play, often in the manner he thought of himself or in the way he spoke to those around him. This aspect of his personality also highlights his lack of respect for the natural order of society.

- In Act 2, Sc. 4, he cannot believe that his servant has been stocked, and claims it is an outrage against the King. However, at this point, he is no longer King. Later in the same scene, these same high expectations are shown when he is incredulous when his daughters don't come out to speak to him.

- In Act 3, Sc. 2, Lear reveals his high expectations from life, when he claims he is “a man more sinned against then sinning.” He is quick to blame and doesn't realize his own faults, or that his lack of a respect for the natural order of society have brought this misfortune upon him.

. Prompt #27: Conflict arises when a character’s beliefs are incompatible with the reality he or she faces. Judge how successfully an author expresses a central theme through the character’s response to such a conflict.

Introduction In Shakespeare’s King Lear, the illegitimate son of the Earl of Gloucester, Edmund, demands that god ‘stand up for bastards’ in a society that does not give illegitimate children the same status as their legitimate siblings.

Not striving for unrightful power, wealth or place in the chain of being is a central theme successfully explored through Edmund’s creation and response to this conflict.

In Edmunds attempt to go against natural order, he uses his wits instead of station into tricking his legitimate brother Edgar into running away and turning his father against Edgar. When these lies are discovered and Edmund is defeated, all that Edmund has left is his illegitimate status.

Paragraph #2 Edmund uses Edgar’s naïve nature to convince him of the necessity of running away to save himself. He wants to take ownership of Edgar’s land and tries to use his wit to get it. Act 1, Scene 2 lines 22-23, 187-191

Paragraph #3 Edmund uses Gloucester’s belief in fate and his gullibility against him to turn him against his legitimate and loving son Edgar. Act 1, Scene 2 lines125-129

Paragraph #4 In response to the conflict created by Edmund’s desire to be recognized as legitimate, Edmund is ultimately defeated as his plans crumble around him and his lies are revealed. The results of these actions clearly underline the theme of going against natural order and the negative results that can come of this. Act 5, Scene 3 lines195-196 Edmund recognizes his mistakes and he tries to better the situation by saving Lear and Cordelia but it is too late and he perishes.

Conclusion Satisfaction with one’s place in natural order is a theme explored through Edmund’s attempt to become legitimized in a society where he was not accepted as an equal. Edmund tricks his legitimate brother into running away and his father into believing him to be the loyal son. However, his attempts end in his defeat showcasing the strict hierarchal order at the time which allotted no status to those of illegitimate birth.

Prompt #27: Conflict arises when a character’s beliefs or desires are incompatible with the reality he or she faces. Judge how successfully an author expresses a central theme through the character’s response to such a conflict. Thesis: In Shakespeare’s King Lear, the central theme of natural order is emphasized through the central character, Lear, who desires for more than he has, which is created by a conflict between what he believes in and the reality.

Directional Statement: Natural order is interrupted by series of events caused by Lear’s conflict versus reality; Lear’s excess honor, divine power of kingship, and his thirst for his daughter’s love is what supported the theme of natural order.

Argument #1: TS: Lear’s respected and honored status as a king still remains as his kingship is wasted, but Lear’s desire for him to be honored as a king creates a conflict with reality, resulting in interruptions with natural order. . Lear to Oswald. Oswald treats Lear with no honor because he is no longer king, but this shocks Lear because he still thinks he has a higher status than Oswald and deserves to be honored by a peasant like him. This is ironic because Lear now no longer has power, so he now is at a level even lower than a peasant.

Argument #2: TS: Lear’s hamartia to split his land for flattery from his daughters causes an interruption in natural order. . Lear’s way of earning love is through flattery, he tries to win his daughters love by splitting his land, but him giving up his powers means there will be no king in the great chain of beings. . Goneril and Regan all the sudden has so much power and control, moving them up the great chain of beings.

Argument #3: TS: Goneril and Regan’s harsh treatment towards Lear, who expected a high-class treatment, created a conflict that Lear is now someone who has nothing, but asks for everything. . Lear expected that his daughters will treat him well after he gave them land and power, but he did not realize that he is no longer king, and his daughters have the power to not treat Lear. . Cordelia dresses Lear back into his King gowns to prove that he’s still a king, but in reality Lear is not.