Marxist Theory on King Lear

Marxist Theory on King Lear

By Joseph Sexton and Kirat Johal

2 Marxist Interpretation Definition

The economic and political theory and practice originating from Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels that
holds that actions and human institutions are economically determined, that the class struggle is the
basic agency of historical change, and that capitalism will ultimately be superseded by communism.

3 Marxism in LiteratureMarxism views literature as being embedded with class struggle, social reality
and ideology. Marxist literary criticism takes 2 forms:The first seeks to locate literature within its social
economic and historical context and to understand how the ideas advanced in the work of literature
relate to ideas and values of society at the time.The second form consists of a critique of ideology. It
seeks to understand how ideology works in literature and to uncover the faults within the ideology.

4 Marxist ApproachA Marxist approach to King Lear would consider it to be a reflection of the political
and economic structures of the society in which it was written. The focus would therefore be on Lear as
a feudal lord whose concern for personal power has led either to exploitative relationships with his
subjects or simply to neglect. This sort of approach would look particularly at Lear's realisation in Act 3
Scene 4 that he has taken 'too little care' of the 'poor naked wretches' in his kingdom.

5 Marxist CriticismMarxist critics would also consider the way in which political and economic
considerations affect relationships such as those with his daughters. It would also consider the way in
which Lear's sense of personal identity is dependent upon possessions to retain his status, such as the
number of knights he must keep after his abdication.

6 The Theory in King LearKing Lear is about kings, late feudal ideals and court intrigues, because it was
written around According to Marx “there is a fit between social relations and mode of production, but as
the mode of production develops the old social relations come into contradiction with the new
economic realities and break down. New social relations must evolve that match the needs of the new
economic reality.”The feudal system was held together by bonds of fealty (the loyalty sworn to a feudal
lord by a vassal or tenant) and duty.The new economic order made new social relations possible, one
based on contract and wages rather than fealty and tribute.King Lear is between the old feudal form and
the emerging capitalist form of society.In England 1606, the emerging class of urban merchants, traders
and small industrialists were already wealthy than the nobility.

7 LearThe play concerns itself with a large landholding aristocrat whose loss of power is directly linked
to a loss of land.Lear’s character embodies the ideal of the feudal system: from his language, when he
uses words such as “vassal” and “recreant” (disloyal), to his unproductive way of life based on leisure
and consumption.He is situated within social relations that revolve around feudal notions of duty and
obligation.He expects from his daughter, not love, but service and loyalty.Lear’s downfall can reflect the
crisis of the aristocracy around 1600There is decrease in deference towards the nobilityHis claims for
obedience make little sense on his daughters

8 CordeliaCordelia draws attention to the fact that Lear breaches the old aristocratic system by asking
more in return than he customarily deserves.By considering the way Lear argues for Cordelia’s position
after her nothing, saying her “price is fallen”, shows that he betrays the old traditional order.In the new
social system dominated by market exchange, family bonds and linage become insignificant.Old:
According to Burgundy Cordelia is no longer a good bargain her price indeed fallenNew: According to
France she is herself a dowry: France reasserts the aristocratic concept of value as inherent worth. As a
daughter of noble birth she is valuable in herself by virtue of her birth.As Cordelia leaves with France she
departs with the words: “well may you prosper” which alludes to the change taking place between Old
and New

9 Goneril and Regan Both represent the emerging new order

Break the feudal rules of reciprocal trust and personal obligationThey lie to their father in the dowry
sceneThey refuse him when he is in their house, ignoring the “effects of courtesy, dues of gratitude”
that shapes the passing feudal system.

10 EdmundRepresents the new class as he sees the feudal system as the “plague of custom” and he
questions the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate.He disrespects tradition and questions
aristocratic authority. This comes across mostly by his endeavours to acquire land and titles which do
not rightfully belong to him.His new philosophy of social mobility embraces the breakdown of the old
feudal system, “the younger rises when the old doth fall”.