Jane Smiley’s A Thousand Acres was based off of William Shakespeare's King Lear. Smiley’s work is more modern, though there are several corresponding events and characters. One such set of characters is lawyer Ken LaSalle, from A Thousand Acres, and advisor the Earl of Kent, from King Lear. The two characters share many qualities and abilities. Yet, they are not entirely identical in nature. These shared qualities and abilities include candor and loyalty. The pair shares several contrasting qualities, such as (helpful) deceptiveness and composure.
Ken LaSalle is Larry’s lawyer, and the Earl of Kent is Lear’s advisor. This position allowed for them to express a level of candor with their respective clients. In Shakespeare’s King Lear, Kent, when speaking to Lear about the disownment of his …show more content…
When reviled and banished by King Lear, Kent returned in disguise to guide his king. When he stood disguised and awaiting the entrance of King Lear, Kent said to himself, “if but as well I other accents borrow, that can my speech defuse, my good intent may carry through itself to that full issue for which I raz’d my likeness. Now, banish’d Kent, if thou canst serve where thou dost stand condemn’d, so it may come, thy master, whom thou lov’st, shall find thee full of labours.” Kent not only spoke his mind about one of the biggest decisions his king had made, he rushed back to Lear’s side to advise him further, even though he was banished. This tremendous loyalty is comparable to the loyalty Ken had for Larry. Ken, like Kent, told his client upfront what his opinion was. Larry dismissed this opinion and gave his land away. When Larry decided he wanted his land back, seeing he had made a mistake, he sues Rose and Ginny. His attorney? Ken LaSalle. Ken stepped into the case knowing it was unwinnable, yet he fought through the impossible for his client. Ken kept his composure throughout the entire hearing, including when Larry broke down on the
Ken LaSalle is Larry’s lawyer, and the Earl of Kent is Lear’s advisor. This position allowed for them to express a level of candor with their respective clients. In Shakespeare’s King Lear, Kent, when speaking to Lear about the disownment of his …show more content…
When reviled and banished by King Lear, Kent returned in disguise to guide his king. When he stood disguised and awaiting the entrance of King Lear, Kent said to himself, “if but as well I other accents borrow, that can my speech defuse, my good intent may carry through itself to that full issue for which I raz’d my likeness. Now, banish’d Kent, if thou canst serve where thou dost stand condemn’d, so it may come, thy master, whom thou lov’st, shall find thee full of labours.” Kent not only spoke his mind about one of the biggest decisions his king had made, he rushed back to Lear’s side to advise him further, even though he was banished. This tremendous loyalty is comparable to the loyalty Ken had for Larry. Ken, like Kent, told his client upfront what his opinion was. Larry dismissed this opinion and gave his land away. When Larry decided he wanted his land back, seeing he had made a mistake, he sues Rose and Ginny. His attorney? Ken LaSalle. Ken stepped into the case knowing it was unwinnable, yet he fought through the impossible for his client. Ken kept his composure throughout the entire hearing, including when Larry broke down on the