Broadcaster Andrew Marr discusses the depth of King Lear as one of Shakespeare's most extreme plays, exploring the character's mental anguish, moments of wisdom and love, and Shakespeare's language reflecting the human condition and love.
King Lear showcases Shakespeare's brilliance in experimenting with language and syntax, pushing them to their limits.
King Lear's ending emphasizes that love is the only saving grace in our frail and lonely human existence.
Deep dives
The Extremity of King Lear
King Lear is considered Shakespeare's most extreme play, surpassing even the darkest works of Dostoyevsky. The protagonist, Lear, undergoes immense mental anguish and suffering, leading to madness. However, in the end, amidst his extreme suffering, Lear attains wisdom and a kind of love that eluded him throughout the play and his life. This moment showcases Shakespeare's brilliance in experimenting with language and syntax, pushing them to their limits.
King Lear: A Reflection of the Human Condition
King Lear's ending encapsulates the essence of the human condition. It portrays our frailty, folly, and ultimate loneliness. We are depicted as physical beings, vulnerable and exposed. However, in this bleak existential landscape, Shakespeare emphasizes that love is the only saving grace. By choosing King Lear's most extreme moment, Shakespeare reveals profound insights into our existence, cementing his status as one of the greatest writers in history.