The raging storm in King Lear is an example of symbolism?

Answer 1

Without the raging storm bringing on Lear's madness and self-recognition, the play would not have fulfilled its tragic purpose. Shakespeare's extensive use of the storm creates the main body of symbolism and imagery within the play, which enables the audience to assess just how high emotions were running, and allows them to get more involved with the characters of the play.

So the answer to your question is yes!

Answer 2

The storm is significant in several ways.

In part the storm is indicative of Lear's inner turmoil. The physical power of nature is a reflection of Lear's internal confusion.

Lear cannot control the elements as they batter and torment him, but this is seen as a mirror of his own state, showing that he is powerless to defend against 'fate' or 'the gods' that have pitted him against his daughers. At this point he still does not see him self as to blame for the turn of events.

As a broader theme it can be taken to represent the the nation as a whole. It is not just Lear's mind that is in turmoil at this point, but the whole country. His actions have divided the country in two and thrown Britain into disarray. Lear's mental descent into madness is parallel to the country descent into chaos.

It is also seen as an over all addition to the theme of nature. 'Nature' is seen in many forms in this play, be it the natural order of things, or in the way parents and children are mean tot respond to care for each other. Edmund takes Nature to mean something totally different calling it his "goddess". But Nature can also be seen in the storm too, reaffirming the theme within the play.

Answer 3

Yes it is.