Historical Context of King Lear
Jacobean Era Setting
King Lear was written around 1605-1606, during the early years of James I's reign (the Jacobean era). This period was marked by significant political and social upheaval, which Shakespeare masterfully weaves into the fabric of the play.
NoteThe play, while set in ancient Britain, reflects many of the anxieties and political concerns of Shakespeare's own time.
Political Climate
Succession Crisis
The play was written shortly after the death of Queen Elizabeth I, who died without naming an heir. This created intense political anxiety about succession - a theme that resonates strongly throughout King Lear.
ExampleThe division of Lear's kingdom among his daughters mirrors contemporary fears about the fragmentation of Britain. When Lear says:
"Know that we have divided in three our kingdom" This would have struck a particularly sensitive chord with Jacobean audiences who had just witnessed the unification of England and Scotland under James I.
Divine Right of Kings
James I was a strong proponent of the divine right of kings - the belief that monarchs derived their authority directly from God. This concept is both supported and challenged in King Lear.
TipPay attention to how Lear's authority crumbles when he gives away his power, suggesting that kingship is perhaps more fragile than divine right theory suggests.
Social and Cultural Context
Family Dynamics
The play was written during a time when:
- Patriarchal authority was absolute
- Children were expected to show complete obedience
- Inheritance was a major source of family conflict
The relationship between Gloucester and his sons, and Lear and his daughters, would have reflected real concerns about inheritance and loyalty in Jacobean society:
"Which of you shall we say doth love us most?" This opening question from Lear demonstrates the period's complex intersection of familial love and material inheritance.
Natural Order
The Jacobean worldview was founded on the idea of an ordered universe where:
