Zach Volpe

changing lives, one person at a time

[Zach Volpe @therealvolpez]

@BOROAssassins19 explain.

[Zach Volpe @therealvolpez]

In this case, King Lear seems to find out the true meaning of being a good leader and ruler. It’s unfortunate that King Lear comes to this realization too late, after he has given up his crown. However that’s also often a motif of Shakespeare’s. #laylit19

[Zach Volpe @therealvolpez]

King Lear professes his regrets as a king, statement he wished he paid closer attention to his subjects and the burdens of his people rather than the pomp and circumstance of royalty. Often times, Shakespeare’s characters find their greatest moments of truth in turmoil #laylit19

[Zach Volpe @therealvolpez]

The interactions between Edgar as a beggar and the Fool are interesting. Shakespeare seizes upon the moment to produce some great wisdom out of two « lowly » characters. #laylit19

[Zach Volpe @therealvolpez]

Cordelia will attempt to « save » King Lear from the fate of his other two daughters, Goneril and Regan. How do you think King Lear will respond? Will he. accepting of Cordelia’s help, or will he remain stubborn? #laylit19

[Zach Volpe @therealvolpez]

The Tempest is one of Shakespeare’s most acclaimed plays as well. What kind of symbolism do storms carry with them and why does Shakespeare tend to use them often? #laylit19

[Zach Volpe @therealvolpez]

The storm scene in King Lear seems to be an iconic scene. It appears on both the front and back of the binded play. Act III of King Lear has also been acclaimed as one of the greatest acts of all time. What do you think so? #laylit19

[Zach Volpe @therealvolpez]

It seems that the two were fairly close considering Edgar takes Edmund’s word without hesitation. However, given Edmund’s confessions, it’s highly likely Edmund has covertly despised the rest of his family. #laylit19

[Zach Volpe @therealvolpez]

Edgar seems to be easily tricked by Edmund, yet also has the wits to craft an effective disguise. I wonder whether Edgar truly trusts his brother. I wonder what the relationship between Edgar and Edmund was before the play. #laylit19

[Zach Volpe @therealvolpez]

Who’s the “worst” daughter to King Lear?

[Zach Volpe @therealvolpez]

Fools of the Court play central roles in the Shakespeare plays we have read thus far. In Hamlet, the « jester » has a profound impact on Hamlet and appears on one of the most iconic moments of the play. In King Lear, the fool seems to speak the truth. #laylit19

[Zach Volpe @therealvolpez]

For example, here are some questions that have yet to be defined. How did Regan and Goneril court their husbands? Who’s Edgar’s mother? Has Edmund always been conniving? What was Kent’s relationship with the other dukes before the play? #laylit19

[Zach Volpe @therealvolpez]

Shakespeare has a tendency to start plays « in media res » and although many wouldn’t consider King Lear one of those, Shakespeare does not provide us with much background information on the characters. The reader struggles to define the characters of each figure. #laylit19

[Zach Volpe @therealvolpez]

I hope we get to hear more about the King of France. In the play, it seems that so many characters are superficial and materialistic. The King of France seems to be an exception. I think Shakespeare could make great use of the King of France to craft a powerful message. #laylit19

[Zach Volpe @therealvolpez]

I thought the performance of Goneril after she felt compelled to admonish King Lear was spectacular. The actress perfectly captured the emotion of revulsion, anger, frustration and yet at the same time a kind of ruthless pragmatism. #laylit19

[Zach Volpe @therealvolpez]

I really appreciated watching the play of King Lear on screen. Reading, it’s hard to completely comprehend the exact attitudes of the speakers. Watching the play on screen, the actors really capture all the great emotion of the play. #laylit19

[Zach Volpe @therealvolpez]

However good at governing King Lear might have been, he certainly couldn’t have been of such reputable character considering such egotism and malice was pent up in him for so long. Covered from the public, I think age has revealed King Lear’s true colors. #laylit19

[Zach Volpe @therealvolpez]

Similarly, although much of the play revolves around the subject of aging and the process of degradation, I do not think that King Lear was ever a « great » king. Being a witness of dementia, I don’t think such a dramatic change of character normally takes place. #laylit19

[Zach Volpe @therealvolpez]

True, sometimes malice comes through with old age. However, often times such bitterness and delusion comes through because it had always truly been there. Age tends to loosen lips, rarely does it completely change a person. #laylit19

[Zach Volpe @therealvolpez]

Therefore, rather than viewing Kent as a character with a strong moral compass, Kent might more accurately be viewed as a lost soul who has been swallowed up in the chaos, unable to effect any real positive change. #laylit19

[Zach Volpe @therealvolpez]

Instead of trying to fight for a noble cause such as keeping the kingdom together, or emerging as a leader and unifier as he was poised to do, Kent clings onto the only thing he has ever known: being in the service of King Lear. #laylit19