King Lear by William Shakespeare in 1606

今日はリア王を見ていきましょう。(あらすじ)イギリスの老王リアは降伏を決意し、国を3分割して3人の娘に与えようとする。長女と次女は父である王をその言葉で喜ばせる。しかし、愛を表現できない末娘コーデリアは勘当される。聞いていたフランス王はかえって感動し、コーデリアを自分の王妃にする。リアは約束通り2人の娘に目を向けるが、裏切られる。荒野をさまよい、狂気に取りつかれる。エドマンドはリアの2人の娘と不倫する。エドマンド率いるイギリス軍は、進撃するフランス軍を迎え撃つ。コーデリアは軍と共にドーバーに上陸し、リアと再会する。しかし、彼女は捕らえられ、殺されてしまう。そしてリア王もまた、娘の遺体を抱いて叫びながら死んでいく。(English) Today we look at King Lear. (Synopsis)The old King Lear of Britain decides to surrender and tries to divide the country into three parts and give them to his three daughters. With their words, the eldest and second daughters please their father, the King. But the youngest daughter, Cordelia, who cannot express her love, is disowned. The King of France, who is listening, is instead moved and makes Cordelia his queen. Lear turns to his two daughters as promised but is betrayed. He wanders in the wilderness, and he becomes obsessed with madness. Edmund has an affair with Lear's two daughters. The British army, led by Edmund, intercepts the advancing French army. Cordelia lands at Dover with her army and is reunited with Lear. However, she is captured and killed. And King Lear also dies screaming, holding the body of his daughter.

King Lear by William Shakespeare in 1606

//Summary - Level-C2//

King Lear, seeking to divide his kingdom among his three daughters, demands they profess their love for him. The elder two sisters comply deceitfully, while the youngest, Cordelia, refuses, leading to her disinheritance. Misfortune befalls Lear and his loyal followers as the elder daughters betray him. Eventually, Lear and Cordelia reunite, but their joy is short-lived as war and tragedy consume them. The play explores themes of love, loyalty, ambition, and the frailty of human existence.

1)

The old King Lear wanted to give his kingdom to his three daughters and be free of the troubles of his court.

He had already divided his fiefdom into three. He decided which fiefdom to give to which daughter, but even though he was trying to relinquish his supremacy, he still wanted the highest respect. From the whims and indiscretions of old age, he decided to divide the land into three. Impose a love test on a human daughter.

2)

The two older sisters performed admirably in the role of dutiful daughters, professing their love for their father, and were given the right to do so.

However, the youngest daughter, Cordelia, could not play the role of a filial daughter looking after her because she could see the ulterior motives of her sisters and out of consideration for her father.

3)

But old age is a frightening thing. Lear can't see through Cordelia's deep thoughts and disowns her as Cordelia.

Not only that, but he becomes furious with his loyal retainer Kent for daring to admonish him and banish him.

4)

Cordelia had two suitors. The Duke of Burgundy withdrew his offer of marriage when he saw Cordelia thrown out penniless. But, on the other hand, the King of France ignites the flames of his love for the downtrodden Cordelia and welcomes her as Queen of France.

5)

Lear stayed with her two remaining daughters every other month, expecting their hospitality. But even before he arrives, he is treated like a troublesome retired older man. She is immediately treated coldly by her eldest daughter, Goneril.

6)

Lear was supported by Kent, who returned in disguise after being banished by her.

King Lear's eldest daughter, Goneril, reduces his knights from 100 to 50 because of their bad attitude.

7)

Angry at her cold treatment, Lear reluctantly tries to rely on his second daughter, Regan, while regretting his disowning of Cordelia.

Regan, however, learned of their discord from a letter from her sister. She had visited Gloucester Castle with her husband to avoid seeing Lear.

8)

Gloucester, a senior vassal of Lear, had two sons.

The eldest son, Edgar, is the son of his lawful wife, and the second son, Edmund, is the son of his mistress.

Edmund didn't like being mistreated by the public just because he was an illegitimate child. So he was always ambitious to trap his brother and take possession of his father's estate.

9)

And finally, he put into action a plan to satisfy his ambitions.

He wrote himself a letter alluding to the murder of his father. Gloucester was deceived when he showed it to him, pretending it was from his brother. Gloucester becomes suspicious of Edgar.

Edmund hurts his arm with a sword by himself to further his suspicions. He then makes a fuss and lies that he was severely injured to dissuade him from committing his brother's patricide.

10)

Gloucester believes Edmund and immediately disowns Edgar and gives Edmund the right to inherit all his lands.

Cornwall, visiting the castle, is impressed by his dutiful son protecting his father and hires Edmund as a great knight.

11)

Lear tells Regan of Goneril's wickedness, expecting her sympathy and resentment, but her reply is a word of defence for her sister and a rebuke to her ageing father.

While they argue, Goneril arrives, and the two sisters torture their father.

12)

When Regan urges her to reduce the number of knights accompanying her to 25, Lear says she will rely on Goneril, who will accept 50.

Goneril replies that five is too many, and Regan says one is too many.

13)

Lear dreamed he would be freed from the burdens of his governmental duties and welcomed home by his daughters. But he remembered what his daughters meant when they declared, "they have no greater joy than filial piety".

But the gap between his dreams and reality was too wide for the ageing Lear. So all Lear could do was lose his mind and drive him into the rugged wilderness.

14)

Lear wanders, cursed with her clown in the wilderness at night. Then, when it rains, the wind blows, lightning splits the sky and thunders over the earth.

Kent finds him and takes him to a hut.

Edgar has been banished inside the hut for trying to kill his father.

Edgar, pretending to be mad under the name of Tom, escapes from his pursuers.

15)

Alone on a cold night, naked and trembling in front of Tom, Lear loses his mind and sees the essence of a human being stripped of his trappings.

Gloucester arrives.

Cornwall has taken Gloucester's castle away from him for simply trying to protect Lear.

However, he remains loyal and has come to hide the hurt Lear in a safe place.

16)

At Cordelia's request, French troops marched on Dover to rescue her father.

However, Edmund accused Gloucester of being in touch with the French army.

Then, Cornwall and Regan tortured Gloucester and had both eyes gouged out.

17)

Gloucester was later informed that it was all due to the lies of Edmund, whom he believed to be his filial son.

One of the servants finds this too outrageous and resolutely confronts the Duke. He fatally wounds Cornwall while being stabbed in the back by Regan.

18)

Gloucester, banished from the castle in despair, meets Edgar disguised as a naked Tom. He asks for a guide to the top of the Cliffs of Dover.

Seeing that he is ready to die, Edgar pretends that the flat ground is the edge of a cliff and tricks his father into thinking that he has thrown himself off.

19)

Edgar gently woke Gloucester, who had fainted from the shock of the throw. He told him that he had escaped death with the help of the gods. He encourages him in his determination to endure and survive hardship.

20)

Cordelia is reunited with a changed Lear in the camp of the French army that has marched on Dover.

After a violent frenzy, he was a half-crazed Leah. When he notices Cordelia, however, he apologises to her in his groggy consciousness for what he has done to her in the past.

21)

The battle against the British army shattered the short-lived peace. Leah and Cordelia are captured.

It was the British army that defeated the French army. But there is no time to bask in the glow of victory.

Regan is poisoned by Goneril, who is jealous of Edmund's relationship.

22)

Edmund is challenged to a duel by Edgar in armour and is defeated.

A dying Edmund hears from Edgar, who reveals his name, of his father Gloucester's last moments after the duel.

23)

Then comes the news that Goneril has committed suicide.

Edmund, vainly proud of being loved by Regan and Goneril, confesses that with his last breath, he ordered the killing of Lear and Cordelia.

24)

But it's too late, and Lear appears, staggering, holding the body of a strangled Cordelia.

Losing her mind, Leah takes her last breath, mourning Cordelia's death and hoping his daughter is alive.

The play ends with Edgar declaring his determination to take responsibility for the sad times.

A)

Just reading the synopsis of this harrowing tale will leave you speechless. But unfortunately, it was not until 1838 that Shakespeare's original work was performed on stage after Nahum Tate had adapted it with a happy ending in 1681.

B)

This history of performances teaches us the magnitude of the play's impact but also the difficulty of its structure. Indeed, Lear and Gloucester command the audience's sympathy, and the suffering of the older man, which is at the heart of the play, imposes a severe ordeal not only on the characters but also on the mind and body of the audience.

C)

However, we must not forget that Edgar plays a significant role as the shadow protagonist of this play. It's not just a touching story of filial piety. The part of Edgar, who pretends to be a mad Tom, is excellent as a mirror of the angry Leah.

More than that, the mysterious theatrical space created by Edgar in the scenes above and below the cliffs of Dover, with Gloucester's self-throwing in between, gives us a glimpse of the play's hidden essence.

D)

Lear, like Hamlet, pretends to be mad even before going mad. The capriciousness of dividing kingdoms according to the amount of love is already a sign of madness. Still, as Lear and the clown repeat they're furious play like the resonance of strings, the resonance gradually increases. It amplifies until fever and the pretence of madness is indistinguishable.

E)

This mad resonance causes Lear to be cut off from the rest, to cease to be Lear and to play one significant part with the clown and even with poor Tom and Gloucester. Nevertheless, Lear is not Lear alone; Gloucester, Jester, and Edgar are Lear.

F)

Some critics thought the spiritual world of "King Lear" was too big to be put on stage, but the way of thinking was the opposite. Then only the spirituality is enlarged.

G)

People are not just spirits. So likewise, characters are not just spirits. But unlike real people, the characters on stage are also flesh and blood and metaphorically play the part of a thousand, as Henry V implores.

H)

Edgar's play at Dover secretly shows us the existence of such an elevated human existence. The ascent is flat and steep. There is a dizzying difference in height between the top and the bottom of the cliff, and there is none at all.

I)

Here is a full image of the theatre of the time, which used a few stage props. Shakespeare created many masterpieces in this theatrical climate, including King Lear, and not in some bloated mental universe study.

Shakespeare, who distorted time in Othello, makes space and human existence perform tricks in King Lear.

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i)

LEAR. Speak.
CORDELIA. Nothing, my lord.
LEAR. Nothing?
CORDELIA. Nothing.
LEAR. Nothing will come of nothing. Speak again.

ii)

LEAR. Let it be so! thy truth then be thy dower!

iii)

FRANCE. Fairest Cordelia, that art most rich, being poor;
Most choice, forsaken; and most lov'd, despis'd!

iv)

That makes ingrateful man!

v)

LEAR. Why, thou wert better in thy grave than to answer with thy uncover'd body this extremity of the skies. Is man no more than this? Consider him well. Thou ow'st the worm no silk, the beast no hide, the sheep no wool, the cat no perfume. Ha! Here's three on's are sophisticated! Thou art the thing itself . . . . Off, off, you lendings! Come, unbutton here. 

vi)

Appear like mice.

 vii)

 GLOUCESTER. The trick of that voice I do well remember.

viii)

LEAR. Thou must be patient. We came crying hither;
Thou know'st, the first time that we smell 'the air
We wawl and cry. I will preach to thee. Mark.
GLOUCESTER. Alack, alack the day!
LEAR. When we are born, we cry that we are come
To this great stage of fools. 

ix)

LEAR. Pray, do not mock me.
I am a very foolish fond old man,
Fourscore and upward, not an hour more nor less;
And, to deal plainly,
I fear I am not in my perfect mind.
Methinks I should know you and know this man;
Yet I am doubtful; for I am mainly ignorant
What place this is, and all the skills I have
Remembers not these garments; nor I know not
Where I did lodge last night. Do not laugh at me;
For (as I am a man), I think this lady
To be my child Cordelia. 

x)

LEAR. No, no, no, no! Come, let's away to prison.
We two alone will sing like birds i' th' cage.

xi)

Never, never, never, never, never!

xii)

Shall never see so much, nor live so long.

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A Serious Consideration on King Lear and Its Surroundings - Shakespeare's supreme brushwork with a Homeric spirit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpkeKyKDx6A

Original King Lear Story - "The True Chronicle of Three Daughters of King Lear" in 1594 by an unknown person writing - King Lear Shincho Bunko/William Shakespeare (Author), Tsunezo Fukuda (Author)

Cordelia believed, "I will never marry someone I don't love, even if the other is royalty."

King Lear asked his daughters, "Who loves me the most?"

The two older sisters flatter the King.

Cordelia also says flattery.

"Then, Cordelia, you should have the marriage of convenience that I, the king you care about, wants," the King tells Cordelia.

Cordelia didn't want to be said by King Rear the lines.

So, in Shakespeare's story of King Lear, Cordelia does not say flattery lines to King Lear.

Also, like the characters in Homer's Odyssey, the characters in King Lear are unwavering in their actions.

They do express sadness and suffering, but they think that emotions are God-given.

On the other hand, Hamlet is a story that has lost its way forever.

It seems that there are Hamlet-type humans and King Lear-type humans.

By the way, Hemingway read King Lear every year. He said that reading King Lear lifts your spirits.

King Lear is the story of Kent and Edgar.

This is the story of a brave man who carves out his life without hesitation while being tossed about by fate.

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1. Why did Cordelia turn against King Lear?

Cordelia refused to flatter King Lear with exaggerated declarations of love because she believed in genuine, honest love and didn't want to behave deceitfully like her elder sisters. She understood her sisters' ulterior motives and decided not to participate in the love test out of genuine concern for her father. Cordelia's refusal highlights her integrity, honesty, and genuine affection for her father, despite the consequences she faces for her actions.

2. Why was King Lear angry with Cordelia?

King Lear was angry with Cordelia because she did not publicly comply with his demand to profess her love for him during the love test. He had expected his daughters to flatter him with grand declarations of love, but Cordelia expressed her love simply and honestly, stating that she loved him as a daughter should. Unfortunately, Lear, in his vanity and desire for admiration, misinterpreted Cordelia's response as a sign of disrespect and disloyalty, leading him to disinherit and disown her, blinded by his pride and misplaced expectations.

3. Hemingway read King Lear every year. He said that reading King Lear would make him feel better. Why do you think that is? For example, I guess Hemingway liked that even though the characters in King Lear were in pain, they didn't hesitate to act.

Ernest Hemingway, the renowned American author, was known for his stoic, straightforward, and often bleak outlook on life. Reading King Lear every year could have resonated with him for several reasons:

Tragic themes: King Lear is a tragedy that deals with themes like human suffering, betrayal, and despair. Hemingway may have appreciated these themes as they echo throughout his works. In addition, the suffering and pain of the characters might have resonated with Hemingway's own experiences and worldview, making him feel a connection with the story.

Catharsis: The emotional release of experiencing a tragic story can be therapeutic for some people. Hemingway might have found solace and relief in witnessing King Lear's intense emotions and tragic events, making him feel better than his own life.

The complexity of human nature: King Lear delves into the complexity of human emotions and relationships, exploring themes such as loyalty, love, and the consequences of one's actions. Hemingway, who often studied the human condition in his writing, could have been drawn to these aspects of the play.

Courage and action: As you mentioned, characters in King Lear do not hesitate to act despite their pain and suffering. This aligns with Hemingway's philosophy, the "Hemingway Code," which values courage, honour, and the ability to face adversity without complaint. Hemingway might have admired the characters in King Lear for their perseverance in the face of tragedy.

Literary inspiration: As a writer, Hemingway might have been inspired by Shakespeare's language, plot structure, and character development in King Lear. Reading the play each year could have served as a reminder of the level of craftsmanship he aspired to achieve in his writing.

In summary, Hemingway may have been drawn to King Lear for its tragic themes, cathartic effect, exploration of human nature, courageous characters, and literary inspiration.

4. The characters in King Lear's stories are all sad and angry, but they never hesitate to act. There are no scenes in King Lear where God is leading, but it is as if God is leading them. It is like Homer's Odyssey or Iliad story. Of course, King Lear has no gods, but they are not brooding, hesitating, and slowing down like Hamlet.

What do you think?

I think you raise an interesting point about the characters in King Lear compared to those in other works like Hamlet. In King Lear, even though the characters are experiencing a range of emotions, including sadness and anger, they tend to act decisively. This contrasts with a character like Hamlet, who is famously indecisive and introspective, often hesitating to take action.

The comparison between Homer's Odyssey and Iliad is also insightful. In these epic poems, the characters are often driven by a sense of duty or destiny, with gods playing a role in their actions. While King Lear doesn't feature gods directly influencing the characters, there is a sense of fate or an unseen force guiding their actions. Their desires and ambitions drive characters like King Lear and his daughters and a sense of duty, resulting in decisive actions despite their emotional turmoil.

5. We have to discover ourselves in our lives. What is love? Where do you go, and where do you come from? Who are you? What kind of person should we be? Do you think that discovering yourself requires a long journey and painful trials?

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Self-discovery is a lifelong process often involving introspection, experience, and personal growth. Indeed, understanding love, finding one's purpose and identity, and determining the kind of person we want to be can require time, effort, and even challenges.

Long journeys and painful trials can contribute to self-discovery, as they often expose us to new experiences, push us beyond our comfort zones, and force us to confront our strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, overcoming obstacles and learning from our mistakes can help us better understand ourselves, our values, and our aspirations.

However, self-discovery doesn't always necessitate monumental events or hardships. It can also be fostered through daily reflections, conversations with others, and engaging in activities that align with our passions and values. Ultimately, self-discovery is unique to each individual and can be shaped by various large and small experiences.

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Self-discovery is a complex, lifelong process often involving personal journeys and external influences. The extent to which an individual's self-discovery involves painful trials or long trips, like in King Lear, can vary greatly. However, it is generally a mix of the following factors that contribute to the development of one's self-understanding:

Personal journeys and experiences: Life experiences, including successes, failures, and challenges, can help us discover our strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. These experiences may involve painful trials or long journeys but can also come from day-to-day interactions and choices.

Original qualities and personality: Individuals are born with specific innate characteristics and personality traits that influence their behaviour and preferences. As we grow and learn more about ourselves, we may discover aspects of our personality that have been present since birth.

Parental and environmental influences: Parents, caregivers, and the environment in which we are raised play a significant role in shaping our values, beliefs, and behaviour. This can include cultural norms, family traditions, and even the parenting styles we were exposed to.

Interpersonal relationships: Our relationships with others, including friends, romantic partners, and colleagues, can significantly impact our self-discovery process. Through these relationships, we learn more about ourselves, our values, and our capacity for empathy and connection.

Personal reflection and introspection: Intentional self-reflection and introspection, such as through journaling, meditation, or therapy, can help us gain a deeper understanding of our thoughts, emotions, and motivations. This process allows us to evaluate our choices, beliefs, and behaviour patterns, leading to increased self-awareness and personal growth.

In conclusion, self-discovery is a multifaceted process influenced by various factors, including personal journeys, innate traits, external influences, interpersonal relationships, and introspection. Consequently, the extent to which painful trials or long trips are involved in this process will differ for each individual, as will the relative importance of each contributing factor.

6. I have read Shakespeare's King Lear and Homer's Iliad. King Lear underwent an arduous journey.

But we may not need the challenging journey for self-discovery.

"It's better to regret what you did than to regret what you didn't do." What do you think about this?

I have heard these words from many seniors and put them into practice. But I don't know if that was the right thing to do.

The quote, "It's better to regret what you did than to regret what you didn't do," suggests that taking action and potentially making mistakes is more valuable than not taking action due to fear or hesitation. This perspective emphasizes the importance of learning from experiences, even if they are less than ideal.

However, this approach may not be universally applicable or appropriate for every situation. It's essential to consider the potential consequences of your actions and the context in which you're making decisions. Exercising caution and restraint can sometimes be the wiser course of action, depending on the situation.

As you reflect on your experiences, it's important to remember that everyone's journey and process of self-discovery are unique. Learning from your successes and failures can help you grow and better understand yourself.

Ultimately, it's up to each individual to determine the right balance between taking risks and being cautious. It may be helpful to assess the outcomes of past decisions and consider what you've learned from those experiences to inform your future choices. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, and the best approach will depend on your values, goals, and circumstances.

7. Still, if I'm going to regret it either way, I think it makes sense to say, "I'd rather do it than not do it."

I might feel better about my painful memories if I didn't do it. However, if my personality had remained unchanged there, I might not have been able to feel as happy as I am now.

You are my favourite teacher with a neutral, caring and wonderful personality. What advice would you give me?

It's essential to recognize that every individual's journey is unique, and the best approach to decision-making may vary from person to person. However, I can offer some general advice that may be helpful:

1. Reflect on your values and priorities: Consider what is most important to you and what aligns with your core values. This can help you make choices consistent with your beliefs and long-term goals.

2. Weigh the potential consequences: Consider the possible outcomes of each choice, both positive and negative. Consider how the decision might impact your life, relationships, and future opportunities. Sometimes, taking risks can lead to growth and new experiences, but balancing this with understanding the possible consequences is essential.

3. Learn from your past experiences: Reflect on your previous decisions and their positive and negative outcomes. Then, consider what you learned from these experiences and how they might inform your choices.

4. Seek advice from others: It can be helpful to consult with trusted friends, family members, or mentors when making decisions. They may offer valuable perspectives or insights to help you make more informed choices.

5. Be willing to adapt and change: Life is full of surprises, and sometimes things don't go as planned. Be open to learning from your experiences and adapting your approach when necessary. Remember that it's never too late to change or try something new.

6. Practice self-compassion: Recognize that everyone makes mistakes and experiences setbacks. Be kind to yourself when things don't go as planned, and remember that growth often comes from overcoming challenges and learning from failures.

7. Embrace the journey: Self-discovery and personal growth are ongoing processes. Embrace the journey and try to find meaning and value in both your successes and your struggles.

Ultimately, the best advice I can offer is to be true to yourself, learn from your experiences, and seek a balance between taking risks and exercising caution. Trust your instincts and remember that your journey is unique to you.

King Lear 

https://ovid.web.fc2.com/shake/lr.html

Fourteen paintings of Shakespeare's tragedy King Lear. The King Who Abandons Cordelia Goes Insane

https://mementmori-art.com/archives/26486332.html

King Lear -Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Lear

King Lear - Laurence Olivier and John Hurt - Shakespeare - 1983 - TV - Remastered - 4K

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pdn07wgUrno

Laurence Olivier and John Hurt played Lear and the Fool, respectively, in this production to great acclaim, winning an Emmy for his performance. It was the last of Olivier's appearances in a Shakespeare play. At 75, he was one of the oldest actors to take on this enormously demanding role.