Beginning of Essay
When attempting to read criticism of Shakespeare plays one idea is clear: if the review was written more than five or ten years ago the essay is likely to be exclusive when it comes to the women in Shakespeare. Little attention had been given to the women of Sh ....

Middle of Essay
.... critics have made this idea their primary focus in interpretations which often ignores the feminist and class conscious theme that are also present in King Lear. Most recent critical essays of King Lear do make note of the class struggle within the play; however, critics tend to ignore the gender struggles which upon thorough reading are clearly as obvious as the class issues. I have chosen an interpretation of King Lear from 1960, by Irving Ribner and set it in contrast with a 1991 review by Ann Thompson. There are some interesting points made in both essays and some stark differences in ‘what and who' are the important themes and charact ....