There seem to be some very interesting animal references in King Lear. Some of the more prominent references are in Act III, especially in Edgar’s dialogue. It is apparent when Edgar is in disguise as Tom. In Act III, scene iv, the Fool claims that there is a spirit inside the hovel, which turns out to be Edgar. Edgar, as Tom, plays as madman and says that he is possessed. Lear and Edgar (Tom) begin speaking and Edgar begins to reflect upon different animals.
EDGAR: …hog in sloth, fox in stealth, wolf in greediness, dog in madness, lion in prey. (III.iv.91).
The footnote in The Arden Shakespeare notes that the Seven Deadly Sins take the form of animals, including the dog and the wolf.
Lear responds to Edgar with more references:
LEAR:… Thou ow’st the worm no silk, the beast no hide, the sheep no wool, the cat no perfume. (III.iv.101).
Their conversation continues, and Edgar further describes himself as “Poor Tom,” who:
EDGAR:…eats the swimming frog, the toad, the tadpole…swallows the old rat and the ditch-dog…(III.iv.125).
I’m interested to see if we discuss this further in class. What I found interesting was that Edgar is naked, which is his disguise, which provides a very animal-like quality to him. Animals are obviously naked and show everything they have (which is ironic in itself because Edgar's "disguise" is hardly a disguise at all). And, in the same scene, Lear tears off his clothes – the act of tearing is very animalistic. Being naked in general is more relevant to an animal – stripping down to the basis of just skin (or fur) and bones. This all seems to relate to the overall theme of Nature and the natural world present in King Lear that we have been discussing since the beginning acts. It also reflects on Lear stripping down his power and his wilting away. We discussed the other day how Lear is beginning to embrace Nature, and through Edgar, I believe his opportunity to embrace has begun.
There are also other animal references at the end of the act; Gloucester says “boarish fangs” (III.vii.57), and “if wolves had at thy gate howled that stern time…” (III.vii.63). During the fight scene with the servants, Regan says, “How now, you dog?” (III.vii.74).
I find myself picking up more and more on the animal references but specifically wanted to focus on this act (it is, however, all throughout the play, like how Kent is sent to the stocks and treated like a dog). Everything falls into place with the idea of Humans vs. Beasts and what makes us human.
4 comments:
I was really interested in this post and it would be interesting to hear what Professor Mulready has to say about this animal quality in the play. I was interested in this as well because I almost found it funny that Edmund practically calls Gloucester a dog when he tells him to "smell his way to Dover" (3.7.93-94). Later on, the one woman is considered a beast, "bare, forked animal."
...and what makes us king. Thou beastly Machiavellian nature perhaps? ;) Good post!
Great job pulling together these references, Zan! All of these (including Caitlin's additions) are great examples of the animal imagery and metaphors in the play. We will be talking more about this in class!
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