I'm not sure which topic to choose...they both seem hard and confusing..
1. Loyalty is a quality that has to be hidden in in the play King Lear. Why
OR
2. Talk about the images of blindness and sight in the play King Lear. How are these images relevant to characterization, plot and theme?
I need help with developing a thesis! Can someone help me?
The second seems easiest. How does blindness function as a metaphor in the play? What does Lear not see? How does his blindness to reality hurt him?
And if you go with 2, don't forget to focus heavily on Gloucester, whose sees most clearly when he has been blinded by Cornwall.
King Lear Essay Thesis; any tips on how I can find something to argue?
I have been trying to come up with a thesis for my King Lear essay for over a week now and I am still wrestling with it.
The essay topic is:
Compare the filial relationship of Gloucester and Edgar with that of Lear and Cordelia. How do these relationships comment upon one another? Consider the development of each relationship and it's conclusion. How does each relationship contribute to themes in the play, such as, self-knowledge, nature, appearance-and-reality? Avoid plot summary.
I want to say something about how both relationships come to a tragic and wholly preventable end due to the paternal figure's incorrect perception of reality and perhaps how the play cautions against the dangers of being led astray by false perceptions.
That just seems kind of obvious to me, though. It doesn't answer the so what question.
I've made a list of major similarities and differences in the courses of the two relationships throughout the play, but I can't seem to come up with anything that is really arguable.
Does anyone have any tips on how I can find something to argue? What do you do when you're stuck on your thesis?
I want to be clear that I'm not asking for a thesis, just any help on how to come up with one myself would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Sarah
due to the paternal figure's incorrect perception of reality and perhaps how the play cautions against the dangers of being led astray by false perceptions.
Right on! But this is about relationships, so how about considering the lessons learned by these characters not only from their experiences but from one another's experiences.
For example, maybe my spouse has a false perception that could be compared to those in the play. It is obvious to talk about her learning from her mistake, but what about the way her false perception affects everyone around her? By looking at the ripple effect, you will be able to cover the RELATIONSHIPS that are mentioned in the prompt, and you'll also narrow the theses. But you have to come up with a good thesis sentence!
:-)
Check thesis - King Lear
This is the thesis I have developed for my essay on King Lear:
Lear and Gloucester's journeys in relation their respective children, Cordelia and Edgar, explore the theme of conversion and salvation. Both fathers sin against their children, must be stripped of their worldly preoccupations before they can recognize the truth, and finally accept their child's unconditional love and the salvation that comes with it.
What needs to be clearer? Is it debatable enough? Is it incomplete? Does it give too much information? Is the phrasing awkward? Should it be more concise? Any other improvements you could suggest would be much appreciated.
My TA's major criticism of my last essay was that my thesis should have been more sophisticated and less even-handed, so I want to make sure I have a good thesis this time.
Thanks!
Sarah
more sophisticated and less even-handed
Ha ha, your teacher should find a better way to explain that! She probably means it should be "arguable," which is all about making sure your essay is not one big statement of the obvious.
How can you think the phrasing of this is awkward? It's wonderful! But I hope you'll precede that thesis with a clever intro sentence for the paragraph. Make it a thoughtful observation of the underlying truth of the thesis...prhaps the implications of it.
Being fairly familiar with King Lear, I think I understand your TA's objection (though I agree with Kevin that the point should have been made clearer). Your thesis essentially states what happens in the play, without noting the drastic differences that exist in the parental relationships between Lear and Cordelia and Gloucester and Edgar. Lear's sin against his daughter comes from his own pride, whereas Gloucester's comes from foolishness--he allows himself to be tricked by his other son, Edmond.
How do the differences in their sins affect their relationships with their children? With themselves? With each other? It is true that they both eventually find salvation and love of sorts, but in very different ways--what about their circumstances cause these differences? Your thesis outlines their similarities very well, but these characters are not presented side by side in the play because they are the same, but rather because they are very different when closely examined. This is where your thesis should explore.
Compare Gloucester and Edgar with that of Lear and Cordelia. This makes me think of the world order thing in the play. Shakespeare presents a world view where gods>king>duke>earl>peasants>etc. If you want, you could note how when Lear breaks the relationship with his daughter, he breaks up the order in the entire kingdom. this somewhat shows how his relationship comments upon Gloucester-and-Edgar's as their fates are entwined in the turmoil.
sry. gtg. will try to post more if i get time.