King Lear has many plots in common with the present day. Such as conflict within families, good and evil, elements of disguise, and the consequences of someone’s actions. I have taken the following points and outlined what I feel is related to the present day.
Like any other kind of literature "King Lear" contains many themes;
one of which is the "parent-child relationship" conflict. Relationship
problems are very common, not only in novels but also in everyday life.
Lear starts the entire dilemma of hate and destruction by his foolish
desire for flattery. He divides his kingdom between two of his daughters
and the never ending crave for power and wealth begins. As we can assume
from the play's title, Lear and his daughters are part of the main plot.
The plot of Gloucester and his sons is considered as the sub plot.
Gloucester is portrayed also with family problems. He experiences
trouble with his two sons, Edgar and Edmund. This sub plot that ties
in with the main one sometimes actually comes into unison and characters
interact with each other.
The sub plot can be taken into account as a "back-up" or
"supporting" one. It proves the point Shakespeare is trying to make in his
main plot. Gloucester's problems can be compared with Lear's and
similarities can be found very easily. Both fathers have serious
difficulties with their children. We can even say that Gloucester's plot
acts as an "echo" since it repeats some of the events which took place
earlier, only it uses different characters and settings.
The theme of craving for power is also found in both plots.
Goneril and Regan can be said to be cold and evil judging from the
irrational actions they took to gain the materialistic possessions.
Edmund's character cruises along the same tracks - "power and wealth is the
goal". All three have disrespected their father and caused major
destruction to the family.
Shakespeare's use of Gloucester's...