The Role of the Double Plot in King Lear and Hamlet

King Lear and Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, are two plays that reveal similar thematic elements, yet possess fundamentally different plot structures. Driven by the suffering and rage of two complementary characters, both plays suggest injustice through ‘good’, but ultimately flawed characters. This shared overarching theme is, however, conveyed differently within each of the works, as one employs two mainly disparate plot threads, while the other relies more heavily on the interaction between the two central plots. Yet the ultimate purpose of this dualism remains the same within both King Lear and Hamlet, in that Shakespeare’s use of the double plot illuminates the tragic elements within both plays, emphasizing core injustices through the interwinding parallelisms of two distinct groups.

In King Lear, this parallel structure reflects the tragic nature of the plot primarily in the symmetries between Lear and Gloucester. By describing a simultaneous betrayal, of Lear by Goneril and Regan, and of Gloucester by Edmund, Shakespeare not only establishes a strong sense of cruelty in the breaking of familial bonds, but also strengthens the play’s overall themes through repetition. This repetition is, however, not without key differences, which offer two distinct perspectives that lead to a cohesive whole. For instance, when juxtaposing Lear’s belief that “How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless child” (1.4.302-3) with Gloucester’s “O my follies! Then Edgar was abused. Kind gods, forgive me that, and prosper him.” (3.7.111-112), it is immediately apparent that, although their betrayals are quite similar, their responses differ sharply. While Lear is quick to point an accusatory finger at the injustices around him, ...

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...s way, by showing the disparity in their characters, along with their similar fate, Shakespeare creates a more universal tragedy, suggesting that myriad flaws may lead to the same eventuality.

From this perspective, the role of the double plot within King Lear and Hamlet is primarily that of a foil, serving to illustrate truths in both plays within the clashes and dualities that a secondary plot introduces. Within King Lear, this parallel plot structure is employed to present similar sufferings through two unique lenses, while in Hamlet, the conflicts and intermingling between Hamlet and Laertes serves to convey tragedy through irony, in their reciprocal deaths and similar motivations. As such, the double plot is an integral element of both plays, as it allows for the reinforcement of central themes through the similarities and differences of two different groups.