King Lear has transcended the ages through its ability to adapt to different contexts. Its universal themes allow it to be interpreted in many different ways for many different audiences. Each context in which the play is presented determines which themes are emphasised and which themes are omitted from the play, and the play is moulded to reflect the concerns and trends of the time.

King Lear was written by William Shakespeare in the early seventeenth century after the reign of Queen Elizabeth the first. During the time that King Lear was written the concept of madness and competency was a major issue that was being debated throughout the society. At the time a case was being battled in court between Sir Brian Annesley and two of his three daughters over wether he was competent enough to run his estate. It was only his third daughter who defended...