Historical and Cultural
Context
King Lear CULTURAL CONTEXT
King Lear is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, first performed in the year 1606 in front of King James I. Since then the play has influenced popular culture by being adapted and referenced in movies, TV shows, books and music. In this section you will learn more about the cultural context of the play that was written more than 400 years ago.
HISTORICAL AND POLITICAL CONTEXTS
During Shakespeare’s time, Queen Elizabeth I of England had no male heirs and the public was concerned about who would come to power after her death. After her death, her cousin King James VI of Scotland became king of both England and Scotland. His decision to unite Scotland and England in 1606 was solidified by King Lear’s decision to divide his kingdom leading to horrible consequences.
PHILOSOPHICAL CONTEXT
In the year 1603 there was a court case where the oldest daughter of a nobleman tried to convince the court that her father has become insane, in order to gain control over his property. Luckily he was defended by one of his other two daughters. This case inspired part of King Lear.
The established hierarchy in society during the Elizabethan time period required continuous respect towards the upper class and the elderly. The fact that Lear and Gloucester were treated so horribly by their own children left the Shakespearean audience in deep distress, as it showed the actual vulnerability of nobleman, elderly, and consequently of their society. During the following centuries, King Lear was often performed with a happier ending.
THE FOOL – HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Fools, also know as jesters, were employed by the royal household to entertain the royal court. A jester was privileged to speak of his opinions and to make fun of the king’s and his nobleman’s actions, more openly than any other member of the court, and without punishment. The fool in King Lear takes advantage of this privilege and calls Lear out on all of his mistakes.