Turn Five

Truro is located in Cornwall, England. The entire area is extremely rich in cultural significance historic importance. There are many great examples of architecture from various eras and centuries and iconic landmarks that testify to the great history of the city and its region. Cornwall itself is probably best recognized in the world’s eye do to the Duke of Cornwall having been a character in William Shakespeare’s play King Lear. Tourists who stay in a Truro hotel may not be there for Cornwall’s association to Shakespeare, though they are certain to be aware of this great play.

King Lear is one of Shakespeare’s great tragedies. It deals with the issues of inheritance and property on the basic levels while touch on all aspects of human nature on a much deeper level. It begins with the proud King Lear trying to decide how to divide his various properties to his three daughters. He asked each of them to declare the extent of their love to him in order to determine how the assets should be divided. The first two daughters Goneril and Regan wax on in elaborate and immodest confessions of love and dedication. It is when Lear reaches the third, and his favorite, daughter Cordelia, that play begins its long turn down a destructive path. Cordelia refuses to take part in what she sees as an insincere charade and simply states she loves her father no more or less than her bond requires. This sends Lear into a complete rage.

The play is likely to have been based on a partially legendary Celtic mythological figure. Shakespeare is likely to have gained his information from the Holinshed Chronicles, which were the stand historic reference book at the time. The play is most likely to have been written between 1603 and 1606. It is still widely produced today and the issues it deals with, including greed, pride, ignorance, loyalty, betrayal and truth. Many of the themes are extremely easy to identify with today and the play is produced all around the world.

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