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

PlanIntro: power is something desirable and fundamental to many characters identities; but ultimately proves to be hollow, ephemeral, and destructivePoints to consider:How characters like Lear and Edmund are defined by titles; King; Bastard; how both are desperate for power; Lear to maintain power even when he divides the kingdom; Edmund to gain power after being shut out; it is an obsession for themHow they have tragic arcs which lead to both of them losing their lives and all their power despite their ambitionsContrast this with more servile characters or those shut out from power: The Fool, Kent as Caius, or Albany; how these do not attempt to gain power but to fight for principles; these offer some sort of solution; Edgar's final words; Edgar's redemptive arcConclusion: must reference how the tragic characters who desire power are still the most dramatically potent; power is destructive, but the desire for it is what drives the drama and gives force to the play; hence it does show in many ways how and why power is attractive, but also the dangers of this, which constitutes the hubris and hamartia of tragedy

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Answered by Solomon H. English tutor

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