Question

What does the storm symbolize in terms of characters and events in Act 3? How does Shakespeare create this symbolism? Why would this be an effective visual for his audience during the production of the play?

Answer 1

The storm symbolizes King Lear’s mental state, that is starting to get progressively worse as the play continues on. The unpredictiveness of the storm represents Lear’s decisiveness and decision making skills not being as sharp as one act ago.  Shakespeare creates symbolism because he mirrors the events of storm with the King’s mind. The internal confusion that ravages the poor King’s mind symbolizes the ravaging of the storm; even the danger of the storm can be mirrored in his head, as whatever is going on in his mind, may indeed be dangerous. It also allows the king to realize his own mortality and he begins to feel humility, starting to become rational again as the storm calms. This would be an effective visual for his audience during the production of the play, as it progresses the plot, became a turning point for Lear, nullified the threat, in the storm, and made it clear that the madness and unpredictability of the storm is the same battle that continues on in the king’s mind. The storm may also reflect humanity’s unpredictability as well, as the kingdom is falling apart as well.