An exploration of the way Shakespeare presents the various forms of nature in 'King Lear'

In 'King Lear' the theme of nature plays an important part. The play consists of a main plot and a sub plot and each plot is tied up in family relationships. The natural and unnatural behaviour of characters influences and determines events within both families and are paralleled in each of the plots. Nature is an important thread throughout the play and has several meanings which includes the innate qualities of individual characters, the external …

…play. He has used human nature and the 'natural' Chain of Being to show how evil and violence occurs from characters acting out of nature: the children betray and overpower their parent. Shakespeare has used animal and external nature as a strong source of imagery to symbolise the innate qualities and inner feelings of specific characters. The qualities and feelings within each character determines their actions which lead to the tragic ending of 'King Lear'.