Comparing Jane Smileys A Thousand Acres and William...

Comparing Jane Smileys A Thousand Acres and William Shakespeares King Lear Jane Smileys novel A Thousand Acres is a modern version of William Shakespeares King Lear. The tragic ideas brought out by King Lear are revisited in A Thousand Acres both containing universal themes in which societies from past to present can identify with. Tragedy is a form of drama that depicts the suffering of a heroic individual who is often overcome by the very obstacles he is struggling to remove. The novel and play each contain distinct tragic elements that lead to the development of similar characters, plot, and images but both have distinct themes. A Thousand Acres provides a new interpretation of Shakespeares classic tragedy allowing the†¦show more content†¦He is upset about not having inheritance so comes up with a plan to convince Edgar, Gloucesters legitimate son, that his father is angry with him. Edmund gives a false letter to his father, which says that Edgar is proposing that they kill their father Gloucester so they will be able to split the inherita nce between them. This letter convinces Gloucester that he is unable to trust Edgar. As the subplot develops Edmund purposely hurts himself in order to make it appear like Edgar has attacked him. Gloucester becomes fearful for his own safety so he promises to find a way to make Edmund his heir. After going into the woods Edgar decides that he will dress up in disguise himself as a beggar named Poor Tom so his father will not recognize him. While this is happening, Cornwall, Regans husband, orders Kent to be placed in the stocks. Lear arrives to learn that Regan has teamed up with Goneril in seeking to reduce his authority. Lear becomes angry and reminds the girls that he is the one responsible for their shares of the kingdom. Frustrated with his daughters Lear calls for his horse and rides into the storm with his Fool for protection. The loyal Fool realizes the harshness of the storm and attempts to reason with his king. Lear will not listen and does not want any part of submission. Soon the two run into Edgar who is disguised as Poor Tom. Gloucester, unaware that Edmund is a traitor, tells of the plot to save the king.