... who valued family unity but rather as a result of family interaction. Thus, the turmoil which is to follow through Goneril and Regan's actions is captured through Shakespeare's use of imagery and diction in "This tempest in my mindfilial ingratitude," symbolising the breaking of family ties. This is further highlighted in the irony in "I gave you all" in reference ... to the division of the kingdom, demonstrating the Jacobean's perception of Lear's foolishness in equating material items with love. Shakespeare explores the distortion of natural order to emphasize ... word order to place...

• Word Count: 1414
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Significance of the Subplot in King Lear In an attempt to universalize the travesties endured by the protagonist and tragic hero, Shakespeare incorporates a significant subplot into King Lear. Although the focus clearly lies on the tragic plight of King Lear, the secondary plot involving Gloucester and his offspring mirrors and dramatizes Lear's ... for her father, Cordelia can only say that, "Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave/My heart into my mouth. I love your majesty/According to my bond, no more nor less" (William Shakespeare, King Lear [New York: Penguin Books, 1999, Act I, scene i, lin...

• Word Count: 1594
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate