King Lear Themes

(Click the themes infographic to download.) Do not take your dad to a production of King Lear on Father's Day. Actually, don't take your mom to see it on Mother's Day, for that matter....

(Click the themes infographic to download.) Um, more like loss of power. Poor Lear really loses it all: his family, his mind... and his power.After retiring and divvying up his kingdom among...

(Click the themes infographic to download.) The excessive cruelty and portrayal of human suffering in the play make the world seem terribly unjust. Throughout King Lear, characters constantly app...

(Click the themes infographic to download.) King Lear, being bleakity-bleak-bleak about most things we think are awesome (like love and family), also makes language look pretty depressing. Basica...

(Click the themes infographic to download.) There's a reason that King Lear isn't taught in Feminism 101... unless it's being held up as an example of misogyny.In King Lear, women are often seen...

(Click the themes infographic to download.) King Lear isn't just a family drama. Hardly. Our Billy Shakespeare wouldn't ever be so simplistic. This tragedy also picks apart some pretty...

(Click the themes infographic to download.) Think of all the tough, out-for-#1-type antiheroes you know: Walter White, pre-Leia Han Solo, Littlefinger.  Yeah, all those guys would feel...

(Click the themes infographic to download.) A warning, Shmoopers: King Lear ain't going to make you feel great about people. Think of the warmest, fuzziest feel-good comedy... and then think of t...