Historical Context (King Lear)

This section explores the historical Context of the paly King Lear by William Shakespeare. Understanding the historical context of King Lear is crucial to fully grasp the themes and messages Shakespeare weaves into the play. Set against a backdrop of Elizabethan political concerns, social hierarchy, and literary traditions, King Lear reflects the anxieties of its time, while drawing on older sources and legends.

Jacobean England

Although King Lear was written during the early reign of King James I (1603–1625), it reflects the concerns and values of both the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras.

Divine Right of Kings: In Jacobean England, the idea of the divine right of kings was central. This doctrine asserted that monarchs were appointed by God, and therefore, questioning the authority of a ruler was akin to questioning divine will. Lear’s decision to abdicate and divide his kingdom would have been viewed as unnatural by contemporary audiences, suggesting a disruption of the natural order.

Succession Anxiety: King James I ascended to the throne of England, a Kingdom that had been left without direct heirs, and the question of succession was a source of national anxiety towards the end of the Elizabethan era. King Lear addresses the dangers of political division and uncertainty regarding leadership, reflecting the concerns over who would inherit the throne after Elizabeth I. Lear’s division of his kingdom creates political chaos, an outcome that would resonate with audiences living through a time of unease.

The Source Material

Shakespeare drew inspiration for King Lear from a variety of sources, including historical chronicles and legends, which he adapted to suit the themes and concerns of his time.

The Legend of Leir: The basic plot of King Lear is derived from the ancient British legend of Leir of Britain, a semi-mythical king recorded in texts like Geoffrey of Monmouth’s Historia Regum Britanniae (History of the Kings of Britain). In earlier versions of the story, Leir is restored to power by his loyal daughter, and the tale ends happily. Shakespeare, however, transforms this optimistic narrative into a tragedy, removing any possibility of redemption or reconciliation.

The Playwright’s Adaptations: Shakespeare also borrowed elements from a play called King Leir (1605), but he made significant changes, particularly by deepening the tragic elements and introducing the subplot involving Gloucester, which mirrors Lear’s suffering. This structural complexity and tragic focus reflect the influence of Senecan tragedy, which often dealt with themes of suffering, fate, and the inescapable consequences of human error.

Political Commentary and Power Dynamics

King Lear can be seen as a commentary on the political tensions of Shakespeare’s time, particularly the dangers of monarchy, power, and governance.

Abdication and Political Chaos: Lear’s decision to abdicate and divide his kingdom would have been seen as a critique of rulers who shirk responsibility. Elizabethan and Jacobean audiences believed in the importance of a strong, centralised monarchy. By dividing his power between his daughters, Lear disrupts the natural order, leading to political chaos and civil war. This reflects broader concerns about the stability of leadership in Jacobean England, especially after the long reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Social Hierarchy: The rigid social hierarchy of Jacobean society is also reflected in King Lear. The breakdown of this order, as seen in the rebellion of Goneril and Regan and the betrayal by Edmund, is seen as catastrophic. These challenges to authority were viewed as direct threats to the established order, and the play reflects the fear of social upheaval.

Gender Roles and Family Structures

The theme of family loyalty and betrayal in King Lear also reflects the patriarchal structure of early modern England.

Patriarchal Society: Lear’s position as a king and father symbolises the ultimate patriarchal authority. His daughters, especially Cordelia, are expected to be dutiful and obedient, reflecting societal expectations of women at the time. The failure of Goneril and Regan to adhere to these expectations by betraying their father reflects contemporary anxieties about female ambition and power.

Inheritance and Property: The division of Lear’s kingdom echoes concerns about inheritance and primogeniture (the right of the eldest son to inherit all of a family’s land and wealth). The fact that Lear divides his kingdom between his daughters, and Gloucester is deceived by his illegitimate son, Edmund, reflects anxieties about the breakdown of traditional family and inheritance structures. The question of who should inherit power and property was a pressing issue in the period, especially with Queen Elizabeth I's own uncertain succession.

Religion and Morality

Religion played an important role in the worldview of Shakespeare’s contemporaries, and its influence can be seen in King Lear.

Christian and Pagan Elements: King Lear is set in a pre-Christian Britain, yet the play contains numerous references to Christian ideas, particularly around suffering, justice, and redemption. The absence of a clear divine justice in the play, with Cordelia’s death and Lear’s tragic end, would have challenged the audience's expectations of a moral resolution. The play seems to suggest a pagan worldview, where the gods are either indifferent or malevolent, as reflected in Gloucester’s line: “As flies to wanton boys are we to the gods; they kill us for their sport.”

Suffering and Redemption: Despite the bleakness of the play, themes of redemption through suffering are present, particularly in Lear’s journey towards self-awareness and humility. His madness and eventual reconciliation with Cordelia could be seen as reflecting the Christian idea of spiritual rebirth, even though it ultimately ends in tragedy.

Theatrical and Literary Context

Shakespeare wrote King Lear during a period of great literary and theatrical innovation.

Theatre of the Time: Shakespeare was writing for the Globe Theatre, where King Lear would have been performed to a diverse audience. The play’s tragic structure, dramatic intensity, and moments of comic relief (particularly through the Fool) reflect the theatrical conventions of the Jacobean stage, which sought to engage and entertain a wide range of social classes.

Tragedy: King Lear is a tragedy, influenced by the classical models of Seneca and Aristotle, where the tragic hero’s fall is caused by a tragic flaw (in Lear’s case, hubris). However, Shakespeare expands the genre, intertwining multiple plots and creating characters of great psychological complexity. The play’s tragic elements reflect the influence of revenge tragedies popular at the time, but it also transcends them by exploring deep philosophical and existential questions.

Conclusion

King Lear is a product of its historical, social, and political context. Written during the Jacobean period, it reflects the anxieties surrounding monarchy, succession, and the natural order, while also addressing timeless themes of power, loyalty, suffering, and justice. Shakespeare’s engagement with his source material, as well as his adaptation of the tragic form, allowed him to create a play that not only resonated with contemporary audiences but continues to be relevant today. Understanding the historical context of King Lear provides a deeper insight into its characters, themes, and its portrayal of a world in chaos.