Explore the Theme of 'Nothing-ness' in Shakespeare's King Lear

"Nothing will come from nothing: speak again". Lear's words from Act 1 echo throughout Shakespeare's tragedy as the loss of Kingdom and loyalty ultimately strip the King of his mind. From nihilistic language and syntax, Shakespeare condemns the 'glib and oily art' of flattery and highlights how, indeed, 'the younger rises when the old doth fall'.

SB
Answered by Sarah B. English tutor

2249 Views

See similar English A Level tutors

Related English A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why did many Romantic poets express a dislike of cities?


Explore how Conflict of the past is presented in ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’


How do I revise anthology texts?


Is Walter Scott a nostalgic author? What is the point of the past in his work?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning