dsyfunction in literary family

A detailed Summary of dsyfunction in literary family

Throughout history novelists and playwrights have to created dysfunctional families. These families lead tragic lives. Within these families, there are both internal and external battles to be dealt. In William Shakespeare's King Lear and Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey Into Night, the authors reveal truly dysfunctional families. In these plays both authors portray the problems and between each member of the family and the consequences the problems will have.

In King Lear there are two families that display dysfunctions, the Lear family and the Gloucester family. Within the two families, there are many dysfunctions. In King Lear there are both major and minor dysfunctions between both the Lear family and the Gloucester family. One of the major dysfunctions in both families is filial ingratitude. Within this dysfunction is a theme of good versus evil. The minor dysfunctions of King Lear are closely related to the major dysfunction of filial ingratitude. The minor dysfunctions of the play are the tragic disrespect of authority and the pain of misjudgment.

In the Lear family, the theme of filial ingratitude is shown primarily by the attitudes of Lear's elder daughters. The play primarily deals with the insanity o

In the Gloucester family, filial ingratitude is shown by the attitude of Edmund. Edmund is the illegitimate son of Gloucester. Throughout the play Edmund is tries to steal his father's royal position and his power. In order to do this he makes it seem like that his brother, Edgar, was responsible. Edmund sets his plan in motion by saying, "Well then, legitimate Edgar, I must have your land. Our father's love is to the bastard Edmund as to the legitimate. Fine word 'legitimate'! Well, my legitimate, if this letter speed and my invention thrive, Edmund the base shall top the legitimate; I grow; I prosper. Now, gods, stand up for bastards." (I, ii, 15-22)

Lear decision created most of the dysfunctions within his family. With his kingdom divided between his two eldest daughters, Lear no longer had power. Both Goneril and Regan realized this and they both took advantage of Lear. When Lear would stay with his daughters, they would disregard his orders and treated him unfairly. They both do not want his presence and they kick him out of their castle. This is shown when Goneril states: "Put on what weary negligence you please, you and your fellows. I'd have it come to question. If he distaste it, let him to my sister, whose mind and mine I know in that are one, not to be overruled." (I, iv, 13-17)

There are many dysfunctions in the Lear, the Gloucester, and the Tyrone families. Within each family there are both internal and external battle. These plays reveal dysfunctions at their peak. They also reveal the consequences that each dysfunction brings. Usually, in the end, the families will continue to lead dysfunctional live and they will have tragic outcomes.

Most of the problems emerged from the past. Mary in particular cannot forget the past and all the dreams she once had of being a nun or a pianist. In the final act she tells the men, "I play so badly now. I'm all out of practice. Sister Theresa will give me a dreadful scolding." (O'Neill 171) Tyrone too has always had high hopes for Jamie, who has been a continual disappointment. This is shown in the first act when Tyron tells Jamie, "I've lost all hope in you will ever change yours. You dare tell me what I can afford? You've never known the value of a dollar and never will! You've never saved a dollar in your life!" (O'Neill 31) All the conflict and the problems from the past cannot be forgotten and they are relived day a

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Approximate Word count = 1633
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English