Notes King Lear As a King, acting like a father As a father, acting like a King. Theme: Shadows or ideal? Theme: Is this play pessimistic or optimistic? Theme: Being resigned to fate, but not a fate of action (tragedy) Theme: Ghost of my father. King Lear wanted to not rule but still wanted to be called king. He has a desire for inaction. He is presented with a challenge and does not even want to be alive anymore. So he keeps dimin...

The story of Coriolanus, a Roman general, starts with a heroic victory for Rome, but ends with exile, defection to the enemy, and ultimately death. In this tragedy, how do military leaders relate to the civilians they protect? Notes Plebes cause uprising against Senate. Parallels between culture today: Coriolanus associates military virtue with saying what he thinks — reasonable connection to make because if you are a liar then you ...