King+Lear

[|Net Trekker] Online Text of King Lear

‍
 Act I 1-Develop four questions that you want answered in the first act.

2-Provide your opinion of each daughter and King Lear using textual support in the form of quotations.

3-Identify yourself in your response of at least 200 words and make sure you respond to at least two peers. First entry must be made by Saturday at 5pm. The second entry, or response to two peers, is due by Sunday 9pm.

Recap: Answer the question that appeals to you or create your own. This response, as well as the response in question two, should be at least a minimum of 200 words. Please respond with your own conclusions and thoughts using academic language, proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar. 

‍Act II
 ==‍Follow the same parameters from last week in terms of character updates and questions. This week let us add some predictions about the outcome. ==

Act III1-Identify and defend your choice of scene as the climax of the play For me, Act III brings thoughts of both Oedipus and How to Read... with regard to blindness and the truth. This reminds me of the the biblical quote, "There are none so blind as those who cannot see." After all, Tiresias was a blind prophet and Shakespeare loved Greek theatre.-C.Blackwelder

2-Evaluate the theme of false appearances I find myself wondering here if Shakespeare is making a societal statement or perhaps venting his disgust in a more pointed way. The concept of false appearances is one that is completely relatable for most participants in the action, that is the you, the audience. Dramatic irony is truly one of his greatest triumphs in engaging the audience/reader in the action.

3-Synthesize the meaning of the 'story within a story' and what it reveals about characters parametersIt is not accidental that Shakespeare reveals conflict in two households. The Gloucester subplot not only makes a statement, but furthers the theme of false appearances. This is possible through a parallel relationship that might add support to the notion of false appearances of loyalty; those that are truly loyal are often martyred for that which qualifies them. Do two stories support the claim with more emphasis?

Act IV <span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Please note the repetitiveness of Lear's words. In Act IV he claims, ..."kill, kill, kill, kill." In Act V he will impart..."howl, howl, howl, howl..." and at the peak of his despair, "...never, never, never, never." Challenge yourself to consider why Shakespeare, the wordsmith, uses this approach.

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Finally, as you move into the resolution, consider Lear's observation that he is, "A man more sinned against than sinning." For Gloucester, blindness breeds clarity and Lear observers, " <span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What, art mad? A man may see how this world goes with no eyes. Look with thine ears."We will carry this discussion, as well as a discussion of the parallel to Oedipus' blindness, in the final blog session.

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1-Consider the role of nature in "King Lear" and evaluate how it synthesizes with the characters to enhance the theme? <span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2-How is the plot structure (falling action) supported in Act IV? <span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3-Who is/are emerging as the hero(es)?

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ask questions of each other and respond in a timely manner.

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">ACT V
<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Finally, as you move into the resolution, consider Lear's observation that he is, "A man more sinned against than sinning." For Gloucester, blindness breeds clarity and Lear observers, "What, art mad? A man may see how this world goes with no eyes. Look with thine ears."We will carry this discussion, as well as a discussion of the parallel to Oedipus' blindness, in the final blog session.-Kathy Saunders <span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Use the guidelines above, as well as your own inquiry to lead the last blog. <span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> =<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> = <span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Please note the repetitiveness of Lear's words. In Act IV he claims, ..."kill, kill, kill, kill." In Act V he will impart..."howl, howl, howl, howl..." and at the peak of his despair, "...never, never, never, never." Challenge yourself to consider why Shakespeare, the wordsmith, uses this approach.