NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF MODERN LANGUAGES
BS ENGLISH
CLASSICAL & RENAISSANCE DRAMA
Discuss the symbolic significance of the storm in King Lear by William
Shakespeare.
The storm that begins in Scene IV, Act II and rages as King Lear wanders the desolate heath
in Act III, holds great symbolic significance in King Lear by William Shakespeare. It
highlights the Shakespearean play’s dramatic intensity. The storm represents Lear’s inner
turmoil, divine justice, the power of nature, Lear’s redemption and transformation, and the
chaotic state of the kingdom.
The tempest physically mirrors Lear’s emotional and mental state as he faces betrayal from
his daughters, Goneril and Regan, and the collapse of his noble identity. On the desolate
heath in Act 3, the storm’s fury aligns with Lear’s escalating madness. The violent winds and
thunder externalize his anguish, while his cries to the storm, “Blow, winds, and crack your
cheeks! rage! blow!” reflect his struggle against forces beyond his control. This parallel
between Lear’s inner storm and the natural tempest shows his descent into despair. Lear even
blatantly states that there's a "tempest in my mind" making that particular symbolic
connection obvious.
The storm also suggests divine intervention and justice. In Christian and Pagan traditions,
tempest and thunder are viewed as demonstrations of divine anger or power. He is sent out to
be dealt with as he deserves as mentioned by Goneril in the words, “’Tis his own blame; hath
put himself from rest, / And must needs taste his folly.” Furthermore, although Lear has
companions, he faces his judgement ultimately alone and responds to the questions running
through his internal monologue that blurs into madness. The storm appears to be holding Lear
accountable for his mistreatment of Cordelia and changes him from a vengeful man to one
who realizes his mistakes and accept his daughter with open arms.
BS ENGLISH
CLASSICAL & RENAISSANCE DRAMA
Discuss the symbolic significance of the storm in King Lear by William
Shakespeare.
The storm that begins in Scene IV, Act II and rages as King Lear wanders the desolate heath
in Act III, holds great symbolic significance in King Lear by William Shakespeare. It
highlights the Shakespearean play’s dramatic intensity. The storm represents Lear’s inner
turmoil, divine justice, the power of nature, Lear’s redemption and transformation, and the
chaotic state of the kingdom.
The tempest physically mirrors Lear’s emotional and mental state as he faces betrayal from
his daughters, Goneril and Regan, and the collapse of his noble identity. On the desolate
heath in Act 3, the storm’s fury aligns with Lear’s escalating madness. The violent winds and
thunder externalize his anguish, while his cries to the storm, “Blow, winds, and crack your
cheeks! rage! blow!” reflect his struggle against forces beyond his control. This parallel
between Lear’s inner storm and the natural tempest shows his descent into despair. Lear even
blatantly states that there's a "tempest in my mind" making that particular symbolic
connection obvious.
The storm also suggests divine intervention and justice. In Christian and Pagan traditions,
tempest and thunder are viewed as demonstrations of divine anger or power. He is sent out to
be dealt with as he deserves as mentioned by Goneril in the words, “’Tis his own blame; hath
put himself from rest, / And must needs taste his folly.” Furthermore, although Lear has
companions, he faces his judgement ultimately alone and responds to the questions running
through his internal monologue that blurs into madness. The storm appears to be holding Lear
accountable for his mistreatment of Cordelia and changes him from a vengeful man to one
who realizes his mistakes and accept his daughter with open arms.
