Approaching Shakespeare King Lear
12 snips
Feb 22, 2012 The podcast discusses the tragic elements of King Lear and the theme of restoration in the play. It explores Nahum Tate's adaptation and the question of why tragedy gives pleasure. The various interpretations and criticisms of King Lear are also explored, including its connections to European avant-garde theatre and Marxist interrelations. The podcast delves into the historical and literary sources that influenced Shakespeare's play. It also discusses the surprising twist in the ending of King Lear and the textual variations between the quarto and folio versions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Critical History of King Lear
- The critical history of King Lear follows three movements.
- These are: the play is too cruel, it's hopeful, and it's cruel, reflecting life's cruelty.
Nahum Tate's Revision
- Nahum Tate rewrote King Lear in 1681, keeping Lear and Gloucester alive and marrying Cordelia and Edgar.
- This reflected the Restoration era's theme of reinstatement and addressed the play's perceived excessive bleakness.
Romantic Reinterpretation of Suffering
- Changing attitudes towards suffering in the Romantic period led to a more positive view of King Lear.
- The play was then seen as sublime and beautiful because of the scale of Lear’s decline, not just sad.