MADNESS

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• Lear embodies the theme of madness.
• The strain of madness in Lear is hinted at when he rashly misjudges
• Cordelia and banishes her from his kingdom.
• 'Here I disclaim all my paternal care'.
• Lear in-justly gives Goneril and Regan inheritance.

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• Goneril and Regan discuss Lear's frame of mind.
• They feel old age is no solely to blame for his actions with Kent and Cordelia.
• 'He hath ever but slenderly known himself'.
• This shows Lear has always had a hint of madness.

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• The reduction of his train of men sparks Lear's descent into madness.
• He leaves Regan's castle in a fragile state of mind.
• 'I entreat you to bring out five and twenty, to no more will I give place'.
• The fool accompanies Lear on his road to wisdom.
• 'This cold night will turn us all to fools and madmen'.

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• Lear is desperate not to lose his mind.
• 'O how this mother swells up toward my heart, hysterical passio?'
• He fears he is being pushed to the brink of insanity.
• 'I am a mad more sinn'd against than sinning'.
• Even in his downfall he doesn't accept his mistakes.

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• The raging storm reflects Lear's madness.(pathetic fallacy)
• 'The body's delicate; the tempest in my mind doth from my senses take
• all feeling else save what beats there. Final ingratitude'.

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• Lear behaves erratically. As Lear's madness deepens so does his
• understanding and wisdom of the human condition.
• In madness Lear has a mock trial looking for justice-
• 'I'll see their trial first. Bring in their evidence'.
• Lear blames his daughters for his own downfall.

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• Cordelia is seen as the cure to Lear's madness.
• She shows compassion and love towards Lear's madness.
• 'It is thy business to go about'.
• Cordelia is noble and has the potential to sooth Lear's madness.

LEAR ACHIEVES WISDOM THROUGH MADNESS

• Realises what love really is.
• Realises he was a flawed King.
• He understands human suffering.

POOR TOM

• Edgar shows justice as he says aloud how to keep to your words-
• 'Keep thy word justly'.
• This is justice for all suffering.
• Edgar is a mad beggar, in disguise-
• 'Poor Tom! That's something yet: Edgar I am nothing now'.

THE FOOL

• The fool's purpose was to help Lear recognise human suffering
• Enlightened, the Fool is no longer needed. *the Fool, bearing away Lear*