Analysis of King Lear, Act V by William Shakespeare
The play King Lear by famous William Shakespeare is known as one of the best tragedies in the world. It was written at the beginning of the 17th century but still remains on stage. This means that it is successful and interesting to modern spectators. The story of the King, the powerful man, who wanted to be loved for his accomplishments by his family and friends, retire in calmness and die in the circle of beloved daughters. Instead, the King gone mad because of shame and sorrow. Members of his family die. However, the strong dramatic effect of the play is achieved by the famous Shakespeare’s technique, which was frequently used in his so-called optimistic tragedies: the author creates circumstances under which the place for happy ending remains. Thus, a spectator or reader remains uptight till the end of the play. The last act of King Lear uncovers this way of constructing the play.
One of the episodes from third scene of the fifth act leaves a little hope that the play may have happy ending. When King Lear is led to prison together with his daughter Cordelia he says “We two alone will sing like birds i' the cage: When thou dost ask me blessing, I'll kneel down, And ask of thee forgiveness” (Shakespeare; act 5, scene 3, 9-11). It is only the fantasy of an old man, who becomes to be insane after the betrayal of daughters. Nevertheless, such scenario could have provided Lear with forgiveness and love he was seeking so much.
Another hopeful episode of the play is the speech of Albany. He announces that “All friends shall taste The wages of their virtue, and all foes The cup of their deservings” (Shakespeare; act 5, scene 3, 301-303). This tragedy is full of deaths. According to the plot and feeling of justice it seems that many of characters deserve to die because of their awful deeds. For example, two elder daughters of Lear, Goneril and Regan, did not respect his father and intrigued against him. Their deaths seem to persuade readers of spectators that justice is on the Earth and everybody will be punished of praised according to his or her deeds. The same thing is with demises of Edmund, Oswald and Cornwall. However, the issue of justice remains open because Lear, Cordelia and Glouster die too.
Finally, the episode when it seems that Cordelia is alive would have created the happy ending and changed tragedy into a comedy or drama at least in case the Cordelia would have lived. This probable event would have save life of the king. Cordelia could have become the ruler of Britain. Besides, Lear could have been happy and die surrounded by people who loved him. However, the fate is cruel to the king’s family and both Cordelia and Lear die.
Possibilities of happy endings make this play very intense. Readers feel all the spectrum from positive to negative emotions during the play. Shakespeare demonstrates the life of an old man with his fears, hopes and disappointment. He creates lot of moments for happy endings not only to make the play interesting but to make it closer to real life. Yet, the negative end is inevitable because there is no happiness for the insane – they see the life too clearly to live.
Works Cited
Shakespeare, William. King Lear. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. The Tech. Web. 11 March 2013.
