Question 1

I think King Lear acts is a depiction of some kind of gradual decent of madness into the main character especially after he disposes his kingdom setting up parties for two of his three daughters. I think the bequests for the two daughters was in the form of flattery of the main character which was responsible for developing the tragic consequences in the act overall. The King Lear development from Shakespeare could also be a new understanding of a modern man whose actions and attitude revolves around sympathy in a decent society that could not be achieved in the past.

Question 2

Yes, his emotions are that of an old man. Every normal old man when he retires thinks of dividing his portions and what he had amongst his children and this is what King Lear exactly does. An aging father thinks of the life of his children after he dies and divides his properties among his children to prevent conflict in the future when he is absent. At the same time, even in his decision to divide his properties amongst his daughters, he shows some early signs of mental illness which is equally evident is old people.

Question 3

The behavior of King Lear’s daughters is a real depiction of the order of nature which is reflected on the breakdown of human law. Even after the decision of their father to divide his possessions among them, they still wage war and give rise to conflict amongst themselves instead of living in peace. In the process of wealth declaration by the father, the daughters are the very first ones to imagine that their father is showing signs of mental illness and none of them finds a reason to support their father. They are selfish and self-centered.

References;

MobileReference. King Lear: By William Shakespeare. Boston: MobileReference.com, 2008. Print.