About King Lear

Conflict in King Lear - Historical and Social Context
Essay written by: Kurt McFarland
Conflict lies at the heart of tragedy. How have the various conflicts in King Lear been presented and received in different historical and social contexts?
In your response refer to at least three critical interpretations (including your own) and use elements of two productions of the play you have seen to support your points.
King Lear is undoubtedly Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy, and quite possibly the greatest of all time. Although the final scenes of the play may make us cringe and leave a foul taste in our mouths, it would be wrong for us to wish that they be altered. The death of Cordelia, despite being heartrending and seemingly unnecessary to most people, stems from a number of underlying conflicts within the play that send messages relevant to every audience member. Interpretations of these messages have varied since the initial performance of King Lear in 1606 and are continually sh...