How does Shakespeare present the theme of justice in King Lear?

When Shakespeare began writing King Lear, a famous trial was underway, that being the case of Brian Annesley in 1603: Grace, the eldest of Annesley's three daughters, attempted to declare her father too senile to manage his estate and will. Although he never lived to see his youngest daughter Cordell win the case for him, justice was eventually served. Many believe that King Lear was inspired by this story, and that jstice fails in both the fictional and the real world (it came too late for Lear's model Sir Annesley as well as Lear himself); therefore it could be said that King Lear is actually an exploration of injustice. CJ Sisson supports this by saying "In King Lear...the function of justice itself has come into question": justice has not proved to be a useful force in the real world, therefore it shall be criticised in Lear's world.

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do I write an A* grade essay?


‘In the literature of love, the more a husband tries to demonstrate power and control, the more he appears powerless and foolish.’ In the light of this view, discuss how Shakespeare presents Petruchio in this extract and elsewhere in the play.


How do I analyse the form and structure of a poem?


‘Characters in pursuit of money lie at the heart of much American literature.’ By comparing The Great Gatsby with at least one other text prescribed for this topic, discuss how far you agree with this view.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences