Shakespeare Today: King Lear - Context

This video explores the context and themes of Shakespeare's King Lear, highlighting its historical background, tragic elements, and political influences. It delves into the religious and gender dynamics of the play, reflecting on the societal norms of Shakespeare's time. The video also discusses the play's alignment with Greek tragedy conventions and its commentary on unity and division, relevant to the political climate of 16th-century England.

Which historical sources did Shakespeare likely draw from for the story of King Lear?

• Dante and Petrarch

• Plato and Aristotle

• Homer and Virgil

• Raphael Holinshed and Geoffrey of Monmouth

What political issue during Shakespeare's time is reflected in the theme of division in King Lear?

• The Glorious Revolution

• The Hundred Years' War

• The succession crisis after Queen Elizabeth I

• The War of the Roses

How does the play King Lear reflect the concept of the divine right of kings?

• By showing the chaos that ensues when the king's authority is challenged

• By ignoring the king's role in society

• By portraying the king as a tyrant

• By depicting a peaceful transition of power

What philosophical movement during Shakespeare's time is reflected in King Lear's exploration of justice?

• Romanticism

• Renaissance Humanism

• Stoicism

• Existentialism

What does the character of Cordelia symbolize in terms of religious imagery?

• A rebellious spirit

• A Christ-like figure

• A pagan deity

• A secular leader

In King Lear, what is the consequence of disrupting the patriarchal order?

• The kingdom flourishes

• Chaos and disorder ensue

• A new matriarchal society is established

• The characters find peace

How are Goneril and Regan's actions portrayed in terms of gender roles?

• As a positive empowerment of women

• As a negative disruption of societal harmony

• As irrelevant to the play's themes

• As a successful challenge to patriarchy