A Critical Study of William Shakespeares King Lear: Plot and Structure

Abstract

This study sheds light on the dramatic devices and techniques which William Shakespeare used in constructing his play King Lear. It involves analyzing the structure and plot and main themes of the plays. Shakespeare used the Elizabethan fiveact structure, which is derived from the Greek form and remains an often starting point for contemporary plays. The major plot in this play deals with king Lear and the misfortunes that he has to face as a result of the ungratefulness of his two eldest daughters. The central argument focuses on critiquing the notion that Shakespeare's plays are not original in their genesis. Some scholars go even further to suggest that Shakespeare has borrowed so much from Latin and Greek sources, ascribing them to himself, without acknowledgment. However, the present paper aims at challenging such beliefs and showing thereby the originality of Shakespeare's oeuvre of drama. This play is chosen among other plays as it represents most of the tragedies written by Shakespeare. Contribution/ Originality: This study contributes in the existing literature to identifying the dramatic devices and techniques which William Shakespeare used in constructing his play King Lear. It involves analyzing the structure and plot and main themes of the play. Moreover, it shows thereby the originality of Shakespeare's oeuvre of drama.