1. Act I, Scene IV:
- As King Lear divides his kingdom among his daughters, a violent storm erupts.
- The Fool comments, "This tempest will not give me leave to ponder on things that would hurt me more."
- The storm reflects the emotional upheaval and instability caused by Lear's actions.
2. Act II, Scene IV:
- Edmund uses the storm as an opportunity to frame Edgar and further his sinister plans.
- The storm creates an atmosphere of confusion, making it easier for Edmund to manipulate the situation.
3. Act III, Scene II:
- During a powerful thunderstorm, Lear roams the heath in madness.
- His speeches mirror the chaotic state of his mind, echoing the turbulent natural world.
- The thunder and lightning emphasize Lear's descent into madness and the unraveling of his rational faculties.
4. Act III, Scene IV:
- As Lear and his companions confront the storm, the Fool delivers a profound speech.
- He declares, "The rain it raineth every day," suggesting that cosmic forces are beyond human understanding and control.
- The storm serves as a reminder of the vastness and unfathomable nature of the universe.
5. Act IV, Scene VI:
- Cordelia, upon reuniting with her father, expresses her hope for restoration and order.
- She mentions, "The storm is in my mind. I cannot tell who's who in this heavy tempest."
- The internal and external turmoil merge as the characters grapple with emotional and political conflicts.
Shakespeare's use of thunder and storm sounds not only adds dramatic effect but also deepens the thematic layers of the play, highlighting the fragility of human control and the complexities of cosmic order amidst personal and political chaos.