Write a detailed commentary on the extract taken from Act 3, Scene 4 When we read ‘King Lear’ for the first time we are presented, on the whole, with a pessimistic view of men and society. In other parts of the play Regan, Gonerill and Edmund define treachery, whereas the character of Kent creates a stark contrast, showing us a strong sense of loyalty by following and supporting Lear throughout his torment. Remembering that Kent was betrayed …showed first 75 words of 823 total…

…showed last 75 words of 823 total…daughters lust for power and led, ultimately, to their betrayal. It is at this point in the play when we see man not only as animal but poorer than one. Yet out of all this decay and suffering man seems to triumph. Lear, having experienced in his personal world, the destruction of human right and order, thus gains insight into the injustices and frailties of mankind. In his madness Lear is able to see reality.