If Lear is in part a traditional Tragedy, it's the Tragedy of Cordelia - her refusal to dissemble is a genuine tragic flaw, and she makes meaningful decisions, repeatedly and decisively, while Lear is complaining and wandering about.
The play we're watching is happening at the same time as a proper Tragedy, but we only get to see glimpses of that other play and its heroine.
Discovered Paul Cantor in one of his lecture series on YouTube, last year. Learned a lot about Shakespeare from those - a great teacher with a distinct POV.
If Lear is in part a traditional Tragedy, it's the Tragedy of Cordelia - her refusal to dissemble is a genuine tragic flaw, and she makes meaningful decisions, repeatedly and decisively, while Lear is complaining and wandering about.
The play we're watching is happening at the same time as a proper Tragedy, but we only get to see glimpses of that other play and its heroine.
That's a pretty postmodern Shakespeare!
Discovered Paul Cantor in one of his lecture series on YouTube, last year. Learned a lot about Shakespeare from those - a great teacher with a distinct POV.