Things to consider for 'King Lear'

• A moral tale about families and age?
• Discussion of national and cosmic disorder?
• A tragedy about one man's flaw?
• A tale of political power?

The storm represents Lear's madness (which is further emphasised by the presence of Poor Tom) as well as being a way of exposing truths.

Sleep represents healing in Shakespeare's plays

Death creates harmony

How does the role of the woman within the play compare to women in Elizabethan England?

The 'darker purpose' refers to Lear breaking the chain of being by dividing his kingdom.

Think about what this says about the corruption of power within the play

Lear's actions bring about chaos

Rhyming couplets draws attention to lines so that the audience will remember it and the message it provides.

Nothing Never means nothing.