Fate, Fortune, and the Gods Flashcards
Second point about fate
The absence/indifference of the Gods
First point about fate
Character is pre-determined, but not by fate
Third point about fate
Fate restore balance
Fourth point about fate
It is unavoidable.
Examples for pre-determined character.
Gloucester’s treatment of Edmund
Lear’s favouritism towards Goneril and Regan
Kent’s comments
Oswald ?
Critics/context for character pre-determined
Charles Hanly
The malcontent
Fate - idea that tragedy caused by turning of fortunes wheel
Link to Oedipus for character pre- determined, but not by fate
The tragedy of Oedipus is that his own character leads him to fulfil his fate.
Examples for the absence/indifference of the gods
Gloucester’s suicide attempt
Kent in the stocks
Blinding
Edgar and Gloucester’s revelations
Critics/Context for the absence or indifference of the Gods
A.M Colman; Nihilistic reading; Henry Irving
Link to Oedipus for the absence/indifference of the gods
The gods seem actively cruel…
Examples for Fate restoring balance
Bad characters die.
Goneril and Regan destroy themselves.
Rightful positions re-established.
Critics/Context for fate restoring balance
The Great Chain of Being
Poetic Justice
Examples for unavoidability of fate
Lear’s insults towards Cordelia become a reality.
Edmund killed.
Characters ‘prey on themselves.’
Gloucester blinded
