Author(s): Phoebe Allen

Abstract: The following paper will explore the literary and subsequent social significance of madness in literature, notably “The Bell Jar” and “King Lear” since their authors have both similarities and differences in their approaches and contexts surrounding this theme. This paper attempts to explore the how, what and why when it comes to both authors’ approaches to the theme of madness, delving into debates such as the power of social construction in literary media, and addressing timeless social disputes such as gender and age inequality. Ultimately this paper not only explores how the authors of The Bell Jar” and “King Lear” present the theme of madness, but why, it’s still important to understand.

Keywords: Lexis, Social construction, Madness in literature, The Bell Jar, King Lear.

Article Info: Received: 30 Jul 2024; Received in revised form: 31 Aug 2024; Accepted: 05 Sep 2024; Available online: 10 Sep 2024

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.95.2