YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

King Lear, growing old and too tired to reign, decides to divide his realm amongst his three daughters, leaving the largest share to the one who loves him the most. His two eldest daughters, Goneril and Regan, foolish and deceitful children, are rewarded for their insincere flattery. His youngest daughter, Cordelia, however, speaks honestly and truthfully, which enrages the old king. He disinherits Cordelia, and then drives himself to madness, left to wander the heath with only his Fool, his servant Caius, and the madman Tom O’Bedlam for company. Once reunited with Cordelia, Lear is too late repents his rashness, and must face the tragic consequences of his choices.

we're starting this in class tomorrow! it sounds pretty good, i'm looking forward to it

Gwen wrote: "we're starting this in class tomorrow! it sounds pretty good, i'm looking forward to it"

I studied it in school too, but that was years ago and I can't remember much about the story line. I'm going to read this today :)

Act One: (view spoiler)[I have found the other Shakespeare plays I have read so renowned as they primarily dealt with timeless concepts. This can be evidenced, again, here in the focus of the conflicts between parents and their children. (hide spoiler)]

Act Two: (view spoiler)[This is actually quite infuriating as the reader is made aware of who the 'good' characters are before the other characters do. Their suffering is intensified because of this.

Goneril's treatment of her father is actually so upsetting to read about. (hide spoiler)]

Act Three: (view spoiler)[Shakespeare has created some classically structured villainous characters and yet managed to make them not seem two-dimensional to the modern-day reader, who can clearly identify them.

I love how Gloucester's plight is mirroring Lear's. (hide spoiler)]

Act Four: (view spoiler)[My analysis: every one of these characters are absolutely insane! Haha! The ending was so infuriating as it did not go the way I expected it to. 5/5 stars. (hide spoiler)]