Year 12 IB Extended Essays 2017

Abstract

The purpose of this extended essay is to examine the protagonists of the tragedies King Lear

and Macbeth , and their displaying of indicative physiognomies of madness; in response to the

question “How does Shakespeare utilise the characteristics of lunacy and madness in King Lear

and Macbeth ?” William Shakespeare uses the concept of lunacy in many of his works to act as

a plot device, and to further complicate his characters and their relationships. Manifesting in

the forms of paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, suspicion, secrecy, confinement and isolation

from society, Shakespeare uses the element of madness to contribute to the atmosphere of self-

destruction that exudes from the archetypal Shakespearean protagonist. Though the symptoms

of madness differ from character to character, Shakespeare uses more dramatic qualities, such

as suicidal tendencies, feelings of guilt, and emotional regression. Both the characters of

Macbeth and King Lear exhibit these qualities at different concentrations and stages; and the

two characters are inherently similar, specifically regarding their own contributions to their

respective demise. The plays both include examples of supernatural activity, which

Shakespeare was known to have an avid interest in, and used as an underlying theme in many

of his works.

The link between Shakespeare and his interest in the effect of madness on one’s psyche stems

from his fascination with the romanticised ‘melancholy’ of mental collapse – an ailment to

which many writers and intellectuals were prone, resultant of exposure to rejection and

unrequited love (Tosh, 2016). Shakespeare’s interest in the dissolution of one’s mentality

manifested in much of his work, and is oft represented in major characters. In the case of

Macbeth and King Lear – other characters notwithstanding – the character plagued by insanity

brings downfall upon themselves, causing a ‘ripple’ effect that sends the plot into a chaotic

unravelling.

300 words

Extended Essay

ENGLISH A1

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