Cheap King Lear (Book) (William Shakespeare) Price

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Customer Reviews of King Lear

Shakespeare's finest tragedy
King Lear is perhaps Shakespeare's most psychologically dark tragedy, though many may argue for Macbeth. The central theme is that of the family and the emotional and physical exile that can be brought about for simple material gain. The naive and pitiable Lear with his Cinderella-esque children, Goneril, Regan and Cordelia present all that is right and wrong with a father's relationship with his children. From his opening gambit:
"What will thoust say to gain
A third more opulent than thine sisters?"
We see exactly why the terrible tragedy must unfold. The side plot between Edmund and Edgar, the donning of the garb of the madman whilst Lear descends in to madness mirrored by his dying Fool is one of humanity's greatest literary tragedies. Whilst the 'baddies' lose in the end, there is no victory, only self-realisation and, ultimately, death. Lear's supporting cast of characters can only dance to the tune he sets in slow, unalterable motion, and there can be no silver lining at the end. Only a deep and terrible understanding of the destruction of the human psyche.
'Lear' drives home the failings of the human soul but ensures that inner understanding and remorse is attainable at a great price. It is Shakespeare's finest tragedy.

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Very readable
To say that this is Shakespeare, 'King Lear' is surprisingly easy to read. This is in no way to disparage any of his other work but personally I found this quite readable. The story concerns King Lear, a doddery old and increasingly insane old man. Giving his land out to his daughters he decides who should have the best land by how much they say that they love him. Whilst conniving Goneril and Regan win good shares, the youngest and more genuine Cordelia states her love to be immeasurable and is so cast off with nothing. All this plays in the background with Edgar and Edmund, the two entirely different sons of another royal cast-off, Gloucester.

The primary theme is obviously family although despite the tragic consequences of the final act the hope of redemption is palpable throughout. As a production 'King Lear' is even better though, especially in the storm scene that echoes the inner turmoil of Lear's mind. Another point of interest is that the play was written coinciding with the ageing Elizabeth I of England who without an heir was worrying the country over what would become of them when she died.

Although the best thing about this is that you don't need to have a great knowledge of the contextual influences to enjoy this, because there's a whole host of characters to boo and hiss at so that any preconceptions about possibly boring political intrigue are quickly dispersed. The play really comes into the light though in its final act, which is thoroughly enjoyable and brilliantly tragic. On a personal level, this is my favourite Shakespeare play.

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Another Macbeth
Average, mediocre play. Boring, tedious, and grim plot, with an unoriginal cast of characters. I don't really recommed it.