Year 12 IB Extended Essays 2017

Discussion

Thematic Analysis

Shakespeare’s use of themes is an entanglement of fundamental concepts that reinforce the

events and message of the play. His themes are often interrelated at the abstract level, and

illuminate certain plot points through corroboration. In Macbeth and King Lear, many themes

connect between the two works, including the theme of deceptive reality, and the toxic

manifestation of masculinity. There are three main themes which corroborate the central

concept of volatile mentality in both works: love as a negative force (and its negative power),

the characteristics of madness (and how they display), and the absence of paternal power (and

its ability to cause destruction).

Love as a Negative Force

In Shakespeare’s works, love is often portrayed as a negative force – the grounds for

manipulation and emotional neglect. In King Lear , the character Lear’s mental state is under

speculation from the beginning of the play, in his rejection of his favoured daughter Cordelia.

The reaction of his advisors, and of Cordelia herself, indicate that there are factors at play to

the King’s abnormal behaviour. From the standpoint of Cordelia’s role as Lear’s beloved

daughter; his mistreatment of her is a gross juxtaposition from his infantile desire to be loved

and revered by his children. Lear’s need for admiration from his daughters is evident in his

proclamations of passing his kingdom to them. Conditionally, the three must in turn, declare

their love and pledge their loyalty to him – their lord and father. As opposed to the traditional

terms of succession, Lear transforms the act of naming an heir into a manipulation of his own

children, to yield from them their love and praise, which ultimately serves his egotistical nature.

Due to Lear’s mentality being relinquished to madness, the narcissistic element to his character

is not as prevalent in his portrayal, yet there are instances throughout the play where his

arrogance is clear (Mulready, 2012).

Extended Essay

ENGLISH A1

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