Chaos and Authority in King Lear

There are many interesting things that occur in King Lear that require careful attention. For example, it seems as though there is a constant conflict between authority and chaos that recurs throughout the play. This conflict can be seen on a micro scale (which is evident in the family of Lear), and it can also be viewed on a macro scale ( which involves all of Britain.) Throughout the play, it seems as though these two scales are interchangeable and often reflect one another. When Lear gives his kingdom to his two daughters, Goneril and Regan, it seems as though he is splitting his own family up. In reaction to this decision, Cordelia is disowned and Lear’s entire life begins to fall apart. While this is a micro view, meaning that it only involves his family, at the same time, he is placing all of Britain into extreme chaos. After this decision, Britain begins to struggle in the hands of two power-hungry sisters that refuse to behave civilly. Throughout the play, it seems as though authority fails to prevail over chaos in many situations. In the end, it is difficult to distinguish which side has won, making this play interpretable in many different ways.

Deanna Ashikyan
English 142B
Aaron Gorelik (Thur 5- 5:50)