Questions: Bring out the dramatic significance of the subplot of King Lear.
Introduction
William Shakespeare (1564-1616) is a great master to create a sub-plot within his dramas. The drama “King Lear” (1623) is one of the masterpieces where Shakespeare has successfully established a sub-plot for various significant reasons. These significances are discussed below with the reference to “King Lear”.
Connected to the main plot
Sub- plot means the supporting plot which is connected to the main plot. The sub-plot works as a secondary strand of the main plot. In the drama “ King Lear” we find the same things. This plot is developed with the story of Earl of Gloucester and his two sons Edmund and Edgar. So it is cleared that sub-plot is connected to the main plot.
Reducing the length of the story
Shakespeare in his tragedy “King Lear” has used a subplot for decreasing the length of the story. We know that Shakespeare’s dramas are the longest from the other dramas in the history of English drama. To make it short and notable he has been established a subplot within the tragedy of “King Lear”. This subplot is paralleled the two plots of the drama and mentioned a universal theme appearance versus reality. As Gloucester says,
“I have no way, and therefore want no eyes; I stumbled when I saw. Full oft’its seen, our means secure us, and our mere defects prove our commodities”
Diversification of attention
Diversification of attention is the most important point that is why sub- plot used in the drama. This point is focusing on the purification of the tragic hero or heroine. In the drama “King Lear” we find two tragic characters one Lear himself and another Lear’s youngest daughter Cordelia. Here, Shakespeare has used sub plot to purify and earn the sympathy from the audience for tragic hero or heroine. Because tragic hero is always pure according to, the fundamental rules of tragedy.
Increasing dramatic effect
The sub-plot is packed with various dramatic significance. The Earl of Gloucester and King Lear is bosom friend but they both have made error in judgement. They have failed to judge their eligible children. So dramatically they have been fallen in a tragic consequence. The madness of Lear and the blindness of Gloucester are the most dramatic scenes of the drama. To make the drama extra dramatic and tragic Shakespeare has established the subplot of Gloucester.
Tremendous creative genius
Shakespeare is a great master of artistic genius. Before him, Literary figure is not used sub plot in their literary work. He has been shown his extraordinary genius by creating a sub plot in his drama especially for “King Lear”.
Conclusion
In termination, we can say that Shakespeare’s tragedy “King Lear” here he has used a subplot to make his tragedy unique and praiseworthy.
