The Plot and Subplot of King Lear

As we briefly discussed in class today, King Lear seems to draw some important distinctions between the old characters and the younger generation. We are repeatedly reminded that Lear, Gloucester, and Kent are "old" (though Kent says that he is only 48). There are a number of other parallels between Lear and Gloucester, such as their preferential treatment toward their wicked children at the expense of their genuinely loyal children.

For your next blog post, I want you to write about how you think the subplot that focuses on Gloucester and his two sons reflects upon the main plot that revolves around Lear and his three daughters. You may want to consider the parallels between Gloucester's blindness and Lear's failing eyesight (perhaps he even suffers from a different kind of blindness throughout most of the play?), or between the ways in which each man is convinced to turn against one of his children at the beginning of the play, only to regret it by the end. You could also focus on any number of other parallels in addition to or instead of the two I've mentioned. The goal of this assignment is for you to think about how such parallels are significant for our overall understanding of the play. In other words, how do they help you make sense of story.

Remember that your post is due by Friday, 8/31, at 11:49 pm, and that you will be responding to some of your classmates' posts as well.

Lear's Fool

For your first reading response to Lear, I want you to write a thoughtful blog post about Lear's Fool. At what point do you notice that he has disappeared from the play? Why do you think he "disappears" like that? What is his function within the play? Please post your response to your blog by noon on Thursday, August 30. And, if your blog isn't listed in the Blog Roll on the right, please email me the URL for your blog.