King Lear | Overview
In this informal, almost conversational, essay on King Lear—developed from his lectures to undergraduate students over many years—Northrop Frye ranges widely across many aspects of the play as he outlines its tragic vision. As he takes up several thematic issues, he also offers commentary on Lear, Cordelia, Goneril and Regan, Edmund, and Edgar.
Northrop Frye
[In this informal, almost conversational, essay on King Lear—developed from his lectures to undergraduate students over many years—Frye ranges widely across many aspects of the play as he outlines its tragic vision. He describes the Elizabethan concept of order or hierarchy in nature and the different levels of existence in King Lear: the supernatural, the human, physical nature, and the demonic world. Frye also discusses the association of the word "nothing" with loss of identity and remarks on the various meanings of the word "fool" in the play....
[The entire page is 8264 words long]
Join eNotes
The above is a free excerpt. Get total access to this content with the:
Summary and Analysis – Themes – Characters – And much more...
Navigate
See Also:
- - Read the King Lear text online.
- - For teachers, the King Lear Lesson Plan.
- - King Lear summary and study guide in the eNotes.
Tell a friend about King Lear at eNotes.
- Add King Lear to your favorites