King Lear. How To Write An Essay.

Ok,
So, we've just gotten an assignment.

"Despite his serious flaw's the audience is sympathetic towards King Lear"
Discuss using quotes and key themes.

I'm honestly not sure how to answer this question.
I find it difficult to answer question's on play's and this is no acception.

Anyone help me?

Well, start by listing all of King Lear's flaws (pride, stubbornness, a touch of madness, etc.). Then, list the reasons readers might be sympathetic to him (he's old, he's been really good to the two daughters who persecute him, etc) Then track down quotations that show each trait and each reason. Then brainstorm ways in which the two categories influence each other. This will give you the evidence you need to create and support a thesis. Then, you can begin writing a first draft.

You may describe how everyone was sympathetic towards King Lear even though he made many mistakes. You may also describe how the people 'forgave' King Lear.

Great advice here! Why are we sympathetic to any flawed characters? Character flaws are common. You might do well to discuss how he is similar to other classic, flawed characters that are nevertheless well-loved... and you might contrast him against characters whose flaws make the audience hate them.

If you take Kevin's advice, you might choose to compare Lear to Edmund, or even to Goneril and Regan. After all, those three characters are also flawed, yet, with the possible exception of Edmund, they aren't really that sympathetic. Why is Lear sympathetic while the others are not? (hint: Lear, despite his hubris, is essentially non-malicious. That is, he doesn't want to hurt anyone. He just wants to retire.)