The generation gap in "King Lear" by Shakespeare

        One of the underlying themes in Shakespeare's play, King Lear is the concept of the generation gap. This gap is mainly illustrated between the family. The older generation is Lear himself, and the younger generation consists of his daughters Goneril, Regan and Cordelia. In the second plot of the play, Gloucester represents the older generation, and his sons, Edmund and Edgar exemplifies the younger generation. Both younger generations can be divided into two distinct groups. …

…Gloucester and his sons. Throughout the play, the gap between the older and younger generation gets larger and larger as each event passes. The differences between them become more evident. Also, the contrast between the 'good' and the 'evil' younger generations emphasizes the relationships between the main protagonists and their offspring. The confrontations between young and old symbolize authority and power, loyalty, judgment and wisdom. They relate directly to the overall rift between the generations.