Animal Imagery Essay

Animal imagery is the most prevalent type of imagery throughout the entire play, with various different beasts used to describe and attribute key characters in the tragedy. It is the easiest and most convenient form of imagery, as animalistic traits can easily be projected onto people. This kind of imagery is often used to describe the natures of Goneril and Regan, and their conniving and vicious actions. Animals such as vultures or serpents are most commonly used to describe Goneril and Regan because of their greed and selfishness, and how these animals are commonly used to embody these traits: “Looked black upon me, struck me with her tongue / Most serpentlike upon the very heart” (II.iv.181-182). These comparisons are vital to the characters

Animal imagery is used to bring out their animalistic behaviors, and demonstrate how their vicious actions are just like how animals would behave: “Because I would not see thy cruel nails / Pluck out his poor old eyes, nor thy fierce sister / In his anointed flesh stick boarish fangs (III.vii.69-71). There would not be as large of an impact or a connection without the use of animal comparisons, as their evil and cruel actions are only comparable to beasts. Furthermore, animal imagery is used to emphasize the difference between beasts and humans and the importance between need and want. As Lear states, “Thou art the thing itself; unaccommodated man is no more but such a poor, bare, forked animal as thou art”, he is describing how Tom is just a two legged beast, and does not have to carry the social burdens of being a human

Through Lear’s actions, he can be described as an animal himself as he lets go of human elements to be free. These examples of animal imagery are very important in defining the lines between humans and animals, as well as further emphasize Lear’s madness by showing him to be less than a beast. Without this animal imagery, Lear’s state of mind would not be able to be properly conveyed, and a prominent part of his madness would be left out. Moreover, animal imagery is used to demonstrate the transition of character for Lear between the beginning of the tragedy, and the ending. Near the beginning of the play, Lear refers to himself as a dragon to describe his fiery temperament and dominance: “Come not between the dragon and his wrath” (I.i.136). This is a very good metaphor for the character Lear was, as he was always known to be a dominant king whose word was always absolute. It is at the end of the play where his large change of character is most evident, when he says “Come, let’s away to prison. / We two alone will sing like bird i’ th’ cage” (V.iii.10). This is his ultimate point of humility, as he reaches a point where is comfortable spending time in jail with his daughter. He does not care for nobility or royalty at this point, and him describing himself as a bird shows the huge contrast from his personality at the beginning of the play. This use of animal imagery truly shows his change