King Lear - Themes

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King Lear - Themes
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This duck is irrelevant.
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Thought provoking questions for our valued
audience.

• Is our character defined by how others see us?
• Is how we perceive ourselves the same as how
  others perceive us?
• If you are known to be good and honest, is this
  as good as actually being good and honest?
• How does this relate to the characters in King
  Lear or bunny rabbits?

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King Lear

• (on his daughters affections to him) - Which of
  you shall we say dost love us most?
• Later, his daughters say
• Goneril By day and night he wrongs me!...I will
  not speak with him.
• Regan And speakt again, my lord, no more with
  me.
• He thinks he is loved by everyone and holds all
  of the power, when in actuality he is a nut. He
  takes it for granted that he has power because he
  believes he is respected by others.
• Cordelia - I know what you are and like a sister
  am most loathe to call your faults as they are
  named.

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King Lear
Regan
Goneril
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The Fool

• The Fool, (knowing others perceptions of him),
  says, Prithee, tell him so much the rent of his
  land comes to. He will not believe a fool.
• He knows his opinion is not valued, but he is
  actually insightful about the plays events.
• Because he is the Fool and no one takes him
  seriously, he can get away with his affronting
  comments.

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Edgar

• Everyone has been deceived into thinking his is
  treacherous and planning to murder his father and
  Edmond.
• Edmond re Edgar tried to persuade me to the
  murder of your lordshipfull suddenly he fled.
• He actually a pretty decent bloke, but his image
  is tainted by lies, deceit and unfounded
  perception.

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Edmond

• Red is symbolic of evil, therefore Edmond is red.
• Brother, I advise you to the best. I am no
  honest man, if there be any good meaning toward
  you.
• He is generally perceived as good and righteous,
  although he deceives everyone.

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• Jelly Beans!

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Cordelia

• She is perceived as being ungrateful, but she is
  the complete opposite. She is just honest.
• Time shall unfold what plighted cunning hides
  who covers faults, at last with shame derides.
  (re her sisters).
• Lear When she was dear to us, we did hold her
  so, but now her price is fallen. His perception
  of his own daughter is altered over a trivial
  little matter. Had thou not been born than thou
  not thave pleased me better.

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