Please give an example of symbolism in King Lear.

Clearly there are many examples of symbolism in this
excellent play, but one of the biggest to my mind is the storm that occurs in Act III
whilst Lear is wandering itinerantly around the bleak heath. It is important to note how
this storm functions symbolically in a number of different ways, depending on your own
interpretation. Firstly, the storm could be said to be an external representation of
Lear's inner turmoil, confusion, and growing sense of madness. Secondly, the storm could
be said to represent the awesome powers of Nature, which in turn cause Lear to reflect
upon his own mortality for the first time and gain a sense of humily. Consider the
following quote from Act III scene 2 when Lear addresses the
storm:

Then
let fall

Your horrible pleasure. Here I stand your
slave,

A poor, infirm, weak, and despised old
man.

Facing the storm has
helped Lear to humble himself and recognise his own identity, now that his daughters
have taken his kingdom from him and have left him to wander alone. Lear also suggests
that the storm may symbolise some sense of divine justice as Nature or God is angry at
what has happened in the play.

Lastly, the storm may
represent the political turmoil rather than personal turmoil that has swallowed up the
Britain presented in the play. There is a definite sense of the old order of things
coming to an end and chaos ensuing as a result.