The Paean Of Madness:A Foucaultian Interpretation Of Madness In King Lear

From the theoretical perspective of Michel Foucault’s view of madness,this thesis makes an interpretation of the madness in William Shakespeare’s(1564-1616)King Lear(1606)from three aspects: the brilliance of reason in madness,the poetic existence beneath madness,the aesthetic value of madness,aiming to reveal the unknown beauty of madness,question the traditional views that madness is inferior to reason and encourage people to view reason from a different angle.This thesis consists of five parts:The first part briefly introduces Shakespeare and King Lear,the evolution of the concepts of madness,Foucault’s interpretations of madness,literature review at abroad and home,and the significance of the study.The second part revolves around the brilliance of reason in madness.Based on Foucault’s view of madness,the thesis firstly makes an analysis of the normal men’s estrangement from reason in King Lear,then the madmen’s manifestation of reason in King Lear,concluding that the so-called normal men often behave madly while the madmen often see the truth and show soberness.Indeed,just as what Foucault says,madness is not opposite to reason and there is no clear-cut boundary between them.The third part focuses on the poetic existence beneath madness.The core of Foucault’s aesthetics of existence is the care of the self,which requires correspondingly the care for others and the realization of one’s own problems.Meanwhile,Foucault believes that madness and aesthetics of existence is connected to each other in some regards.It is in his madness that Lear learns to care for himself and others,and begins to question his previous thoughts and opinions.The fourth part offers an analysis of the aesthetic value of madness.In Foucault’s view,madness not only serves as a non-formal and non-systematic way to reveal beauty,but also makes a great contribution to dramatic tension in literary works.In this regard,the Fool and Edgar in King Lear are selected to give a detailed interpretation.The fifth part is the conclusion.Madness,as an alternative way of existence,not only represents the forbidden wisdom of human beings but also shows the strong vitality of individual life.Reason has no right to exclude madness,reject madness,and exile madness.In King Lear,there must be a purpose for Shakespeare’s arrangement of the the madmen’s standing in the center of the stage.The madmen in King Lear represented by the Fool,Edgar and Lear actually play the guardian of truth.Though considered to be insane,they endeavor to explore and make sense of their inner selves and are able to voice loudly for the truth.In this sense,madness is not inferior to reason.Not only is it not inferior,it is advantageous in guiding people to understand and take care of their inner selves,and tackle the weaknesses in human nature.