Comparing the Dominant and Feminist Readings of Shakespeares King Lear

Comparing the Dominant and Feminist Readings of king Lear Shakespe atomic number 18s male monarch Lear has been the source of a great deal contention as to the way in which the text roll in the hay be read. The play originally was written for the Jacobean listening of Shakespeares time, but since then has taken on many other readings. These new readings are produced to footnote on issues in the society in which it is explored. Readings encompass a immense range of ideas - from the Dominant reading, the manner in which Shakespeares audience would have comprehend the text, to libber ideals. The various readings are influenced by the context in which they are discussed. In particular the dominant and feminist readings of index Lear both see the text in different contexts the dominant following the traditional Jacobean interpretation as it was originally written, and the feminist reading pursuing a need for the lack of a patriarchal society in the 20th century. King Lear can be read in a pastiche of ways, achieving a set perspective that suits the reader. The Jacobean reading of King Lear focuses the nibble for chaos and the subsequent tragedies on Lears foolish decision to divide his res publica between his three daughters. Though the play is set in pre-Christian times, Shakespeares audience was greatly influenced by Elizabethan structure and hierarchy. According to the Great chemical chain of Being, God was the head of the universe, and the King was established as Gods connection to people. Lears filling of abdication would have been viewed as blasphemy towards God. The audience would now descry Lears tragedy as inevitable due to his decisions. The play King Lear can be viewed as an expression of the Jacobean period concept of so... ... focuses on Lears downfall and the pity we feel for Lear. The feminist reading of King Lear focuses on how the portrayal of women in the play is of a negative aspect and displays wome n as unfit for any role of leadership, else chaos ensues. The film A kelvin Miles shows how King Lear can be interpreted as a feminist reading in a contemporary setting, revealing the text King Lear in an entirely new light - women portrayed as the victims of men. King Lear can indeed be read in a mixed bag of ways. Works Cited Frey, C. Experiencing Shakespeare. Columbia University of Missouri Press, 1988. Granville-Barker, H. Prefaces to Shakespeare. London B.T. Batsford INC, 1984. Halio, J. The Tragedy of King Lear. Cambridge Cambridge University Press, 1992. Thompson, A. King Lear Criticism. NJ Humanities Press International, 1988.