One more note on Lear

[redbird]

As far as I can tell, there is not a character in all of Shakespeare who can recognize their most-loved relative, nor their most dangerous enemy, by voice, or if that person changes clothes. Was this a convention of the Elizabethan stage, or his own invention?

Comments

[total-cynic.livejournal.com]

Whether it's realistic or not it was definitely a convention of nearly all theatre. It's used as far back as the greek plays and continues even now in certain dramatic productions. It's pretty much become one of those acceptable unrealistic plot turns. After all, it is only a play!