King Lear

After completing A Thousand Acres, a retelling of King Lear, it made sense to go back and read William Shakespeare’s original play. Changes in the English language over the last four centuries make it difficult to understand what Shakespeare is saying, though the overall plotline was clear. For example, I couldn’t follow the mock trial involving senile Lear, a Fool speaking in verse, a noble fugitive pretending to be a madman, and another man hiding his identity, though it is probably a witty scene. Besides, Shakespeare is always more appealing on stage, as it was meant to be experienced, instead of the printed page. Still, King Lear is a powerful story, and being exposed to it is culturally enriching.