Chapter one
1.1 introduction:
Edward Bond's "Lear" stood as a captivating reimagining of Shakespeare's revered tragedy, "King Lear," delving into the psychological depths of the titular character with an audacious departure from tradition. Known for his bold adaptations, Bond elevated Shakespeare's masterpiece by unveiling a shocking transformation in King Lear's personality, scrutinized through the lens of Freudian psychoanalytic analysis. This exploration navigated the dark recesses of Lear's psyche, revealing repressed desires, unresolved conflicts, and the profound impact of familial relationships on his mental state. At the heart of Bond's reinterpretation lay the potent influence of Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theories, exploring the unconscious mind, repressed memories, and the dynamics of the id, ego, and superego. Bond intricately wove Freudian concepts into Lear's identity, unraveling the complex web of motivations and actions that propelled his radical metamorphosis. Traditionally depicted as a tragic victim of aging and betrayal, King Lear underwent a paradigm shift in Bond's adaptation, presenting him not as a mere casualty of external circumstances but as a product of internal conflicts. The Freudian lens unveiled a profound internal struggle, where primal instincts and desires represented by the id clashed with the moral and societal constraints imposed by the superego, culminating in Lear's shocking transformation. Central to Freudian analysis was the exploration of Lear's unconscious desires, with Bond exposing suppressed yearnings and forbidden fantasies beneath the king's authoritative facade. Lear's relationships with his daughters became a manifestation of complex Oedipal desires, painting a canvas of unresolved conflicts that drove him into both madness and revelation. Bond's adaptation elevated the symbolic significance of the storm on the heath, transforming it into a metaphor for Lear's internal turmoil. The tempest externalized Lear's psychological chaos, mirroring the tumult within his mind and embodying Freud's concept of the unconscious mind as a repository for repressed thoughts and emotions. As we traversed the treacherous terrain of Lear's psyche, Bond challenged traditional interpretations of "King Lear," pushing the boundaries of psychological analysis.Enhanced Appreciation of Bond's Artistic Vision:
Bond's "Lear" was a pivotal work in reimagining Shakespearean classics. This study enhanced our appreciation of Bond's artistic vision by dissecting the psychological dimensions of Lear's character within the context of Freud's theories. It deepened our understanding of the symbiotic relationship between psychological depth and theatrical representation. Educational Value in Literature and Psychology Courses:
The research contributed educational value by providing a resource for literature and psychology courses. It offered a cross-disciplinary perspective that could be incorporated into curricula, encouraging students to explore the intersection of literature and psychology through the lens of one of the most iconic characters in English literature. In conclusion, this study held significance by offering a psychoanalytic exploration of King Lear's shocking transformation in Edward Bond's adaptation, thereby enriching our understanding of the interplay between psychology, theater, and literary interpretation. 1.4 Research Questions
How did the personality of the central character in Edward Bond's "Lear" undergo a shocking transformation, and what were the pivotal elements influencing this metamorphosis?Analyzing Lear's interactions with his daughters and probing the presence of unresolved oedipal conflicts could shed light on his transformation and the underlying psychological dynamics at play (Freud, Totem and Taboo, 1913 
1.6 Key Words:
Shock:
Within the scope of this study, shock denoted profound and disruptive events or experiences that exerted a profound impact on King Lear's personality and worldview in Edward Bond's "Lear." These shocks encompassed elements such as betrayal, loss, madness, and the erosion of his authority, culminating in a dramatic and unforeseen transformation (Avadane, 2016). Personality Transformation:
Personality transformation signified a deep and meaningful alteration in an individual's character, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. In the context of King Lear in Edward Bond's "Lear," it represented a fundamental shift in his identity, values, and perception of self and others, emerging from the shocks he underwent throughout the play (Bond, 1976).