Explain what role nature plays in King Lear

Key advice for an answer:You must come up with a point/a line of argument: In King Lear, Shakespeare subverts ordinary early-modern views of hierarchy and natural order through a sympathetic portrayal of rebellion and defiance.You must find evidence for your point. Evidence can be in the form of a structural point or a quote from the text. When choosing evidence, you should make sure you can link your evidence to your line of argument: Edmund, in an introductory monologue, states: 'Thou nature art my Goddess... wherefore should I stand in the plague of custom'.Analyse any interesting language in the quote. This is the most important part of the essay, and distinguishes good essays from brilliant essays. Look for literary techniques. Always think about how you can link your analysis back to your point: The use of the word 'plague' emphasises the repulsive, disease-like quality of the supposed natural order.Link your analysis to a point regarding early-modern context: The concept of custom was heavily contested in early-modern intellectual context, particularly in the work of republican thinkers like George Buchanan who saw custom as an excuse for the exercise of arbitrary power.Find a scholarly or artistic interpretation which supports or contradicts your analysis. Discuss this interpretation: Peter Brook's film adaptation of King Lear uses bleak colours and soundscapes to emphasise the lack of natural order. This is reflected in the sympathetic portray of Edmund's monologue.Link all your analysis back to your line of argument: Thus, Shakespeare seems to be engaging and responding to early modern ideas divine order...
Common mistakesDo not explain the story. You must analyse the text and the themes in the text, rather than simply telling us what happened.Use lots of quotes. Each paragraph/line of argument should use numerous quotes from the text. The detail and sophistication of your line of argument will determine how easy your analysis is.