King Lear and Ran

Ran Characters Hidetora Ichimonji - Aging monarch and tragic hero. Hidetora divides his kingdom between his three sons. He wants to retain the title and dignity of his position Taro – Oldest son and inheritor of power. Taro now resides in the first castle and is married to Lady Kaede. Kicks Hidetora out. Jiro – Middle child. Jiro resides in the second castle. He lusts after Lady Kaede, his brothers wife. He is married to Sue and refuses his fathers warrior entry into the second castle. Saburo – Youngest son. Saburo is honest and blunt and often upsets his brothers. He tell his father that dividing the kingdom will end in ruin. Hidetora banishes Saburo for telling the truth Lady Kaede – Wife of Taro. As a child Lady Kaede lived in the first castle with her family. Hidetora as a young warlord invaded and slaughtered her clan. She now seeks revenge. Tango- Loyal servant of Hidetora Kyoami- The fool

Compared to King Lear Saburo = Cordelia Hidetora = King Lear Taro = Goneril Jiro = Regan Lady Kaede = Edmund Ran is not a direct adaptation and draws from Japanese history rather than British history. Shakespeare is based on a Judeo-Christian background compared to the Shinto-Buddha background of Japan. The Buddha is the main mover of fate compared to Shakespeare's focus on human action and the heavens.

Shared Themes Good vs. Evil Power Paternal love Madness/Foolishness Suffering to be better

Some Differences Gloucester, Edgar, Edmund are all absent, to a degree. These three characters are rolled into other characters. The sons are not purely evil. Jiro may be considered bad, but Goneril and Regan are unequivocally evil in King Lear. One of Jiro’s men assassinates Taro. None of the sisters assassinate each other. While Gloucester is not immediately present, he is represented by the blind Tsurumaru. Gloucester is blinded by one of the sisters.

Some Questions 1) Hidetora divides up his land the same as King Lear, but King Lear makes a specific request for his daughters to display their love for him. Hidetora never makes this request and instead his sons offer their praises. Compare the speeches Taro and Jiro gave to what Goneril and Regan say. 2) The fool always speaks the truth to King Lear. Does the fool in Ran fulfill the same roll or is the character more for comedic relief? 3)How are Lady Kaede and Edmund similar? Are they evil in the same way? 4) What are some similarities between King Lear and Hidetora Ichimonji? What are some differences? Do they have the same flaw? 5) Based on the initial scenes from the movie make a prediction of what will happen? Who will suffer the most? PROVIDE EVIDENCE FROM THE TEXT