Comment on the dramatic irony that occurs in King Lear.
King Lear is a notable literary work by William Shakespeare. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of King Lear.
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Comment on the dramatic irony that occurs in King Lear. (2018)
“King Lear” (1605–1606), written by William Shakespeare (1564–1616), is one of the finest tragedies in world literature. The play is replete with dramatic irony, which enhances its emotional depth and tragic force. Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows more than the characters. In “King Lear,” this literary device makes the story more painful and meaningful. The audience understands the truth of love, loyalty, and deceit long before Lear and others realize it. Shakespeare employs irony to expose blindness, pride, and human frailty.
Love and Flattery: The opening scene is rich in dramatic irony. Lear asks his daughters to express their love in words. The audience knows Goneril and Regan are false and greedy. They flatter Lear with lies to gain land and power. Cordelia, the honest daughter, refuses to flatter and says,
“I love your Majesty
According to my bond, no more nor less.”
Lear believes her silence means disobedience. The audience feels pity and fear because we know that Cordelia’s love is true, while Lear’s trust is misplaced.
Blindness and Truth: Lear’s blindness creates another layer of irony. He banishes Kent and Cordelia, the only ones who truly love him. Yet, he welcomes the flattering traitors. When Lear says,
“Peace, Kent! Come not between the dragon and his wrath,”
Here, the audience sees his foolish pride. We know that his anger will bring tragedy. This irony reveals Lear’s moral blindness. The audience watches as he punishes honesty and rewards lies, which later lead to his suffering and downfall.
Gloucester’s Parallel Story: The subplot of Gloucester adds more dramatic irony. Gloucester trusts his wicked son Edmund and doubts his good son Edgar. When Edmund shows a false letter, Gloucester believes it. The audience, however, knows the truth. Later, when Cornwall blinds Gloucester, he says,
“Lest it see more, prevent it. Out,
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