Comparing the Dominant and Feminist Readings of...

Comparing the Dominant and Feminist Readings of King Lear Shakespeares King Lear has been the source of much contention as to the way in which the text can be read. The play originally was written for the Jacobean audience of Shakespeares time, but since then has taken on many other readings. These new readings are produced to comment on issues in the society in which it is explored. Readings encompass a wide range of ideas - from the Dominant reading, the manner in which Shakespeares audience would have perceived the text, to feminist ideals. The various readings are influenced by the context in which they are discussed. In particular the dominant and feminist readings of King Lear both perceive the text in†¦show more content†¦This is further evident throughout the play with views of fate, the stars and the gods role in the life of man As flies are to wanton boys are we to thgods; they kill us for their sport. The good rise on the chain of being, whilst evil descends to a level of basic animalistic stature, having vi olated the laws of nature. The characters of Gonerill and Regan are portrayed as evil in their treatment of the king and lust for power. They are often related to serpents by other characters, as well as unnatural hags, or Tigers, not daughters. The Jacobean audience relates this comparison of animalistic nature to their beliefs of the characters lust for power, creating an imbalance in the great chain of being. The dominant reading focuses on Lear as the main character in the play, as his journey through chaos and order is explored, such as Act Three Scene Two. Shakespeare utilizes the technique of soliloquy to emphasise the chaotic nature of the universe caused by Lears downfall. Lear rages against the power of the storm and his own reducing power. This storm scene shows a rapid decline in Lears sanity. The product Lears downfall is madness - the fear Lear dreads most. However through this madness Lear receives insight. This juxta positioning of sense and madness, as well as the reoccurring motif of insight and blindness, creates the moral