SOURCE: Wittreich, Joseph. “The Reversal of All Histories.” In “Image of That Horror”: History, Prophecy, and Apocalypse in King Lear, pp. 14-46. San Marino, Calif.: Huntington Library, 1984.
In the following essay, Wittreich suggests that King Lear is a veiled commentary on the actions of King James I, especially his attempt to unite England, Scotland, and Wales. The critic also emphasizes the influence of the New Testament's Book of Revelation on the play, particularly the idea of the Apocalypse.
