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juliareadsbooks 's review for:
King Lear
by William Shakespeare
This time I did not read Shakespeare for a class but privately. It reminded me of two things: The first is that I like tragedies much more than Comedies or History Plays: give me all the good villains, the bloodshed and the death. I’ll devour it.
My second point — and I won’t be able to write a review that is as coherent and smart as the ones already on here so I’ll say this — it reminded me that Shakespeare is timeless. You hear that all the time. But what does that even mean? It means that even though the plays were written and performed in Early Modern English society, their themes can easily be adapted to our times. And that’s the case here: Lear is a character who struggles mentally, needs help. Regardless of whether or not he is a good person, he needs support and understanding and (with the exception of Kent and the Fool who stay with him) he does not receive that. It is exactly what is still happening in our times, mental illnesses are stigmatized and misunderstood, those who struggle are left alone. And that’s what I mean by “Shakespeare is timeless” — what happened to Lear certainly happens in the 21st century.
“King Lear” is a play that is not easy to read. It deals with pretty heavy topics and generally represents dark atmosphere and attitudes. Yet, that’s what I liked about it the most. I like it when my reading gets darker, when it gives me the shivers. It made me think a lot and I also like it when literature does that.
I can’t wait to experience it on stage this month and see what the acting company in the Globe makes of it. The actress who plays Lear already did the role some time ago and got praises for it so I’m in for a treat I think!!
My second point — and I won’t be able to write a review that is as coherent and smart as the ones already on here so I’ll say this — it reminded me that Shakespeare is timeless. You hear that all the time. But what does that even mean? It means that even though the plays were written and performed in Early Modern English society, their themes can easily be adapted to our times. And that’s the case here: Lear is a character who struggles mentally, needs help. Regardless of whether or not he is a good person, he needs support and understanding and (with the exception of Kent and the Fool who stay with him) he does not receive that. It is exactly what is still happening in our times, mental illnesses are stigmatized and misunderstood, those who struggle are left alone. And that’s what I mean by “Shakespeare is timeless” — what happened to Lear certainly happens in the 21st century.
“King Lear” is a play that is not easy to read. It deals with pretty heavy topics and generally represents dark atmosphere and attitudes. Yet, that’s what I liked about it the most. I like it when my reading gets darker, when it gives me the shivers. It made me think a lot and I also like it when literature does that.
I can’t wait to experience it on stage this month and see what the acting company in the Globe makes of it. The actress who plays Lear already did the role some time ago and got praises for it so I’m in for a treat I think!!