What Role Does Madness Play in 'King Lear'?

Essay from the year 2010 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Literature, grade: 1,3, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (Department of English and Linguistics), course: Introduction to Literary Studies, language: English, abstract: In this essay I shall try to depict King Lear's madness, how it is displayed, the effect it has on Lear and other characters and what function it serves in the play. First several scenes have to be discussed at what point Lear's madness possibly begins. Secondly, other people's reactions to his madness will be examined. Finally, I will analyse the function his insanity has in the play.