INTRODUCTION
Rationale
Literature is often regarded as "the window to the soul," serving as a mirror that reflects the real world and human desires for a better life It plays a vital role in enriching people's mental lives, acting as a wise teacher and faithful friend This profound significance explains why literature, especially English literature, holds a special place in my heart I love literature deeply because of its ability to inspire, comfort, and offer a deeper understanding of life.
I had not studied English literature very much until I became a student of English in Vinh University I feel that this subject is very exciting and useful
English Literature spans from ancient times to the modern era, covering significant periods such as the Elizabethan and Victorian ages The Elizabethan period is renowned for its flourishing drama, marked by the extraordinary contributions of William Shakespeare, often regarded as the greatest playwright of all time Shakespeare's acclaimed works, including *Hamlet*, *Romeo and Juliet*, *The Merchant of Venice*, and *A Midsummer Night’s Dream*, vividly reflect the social and moral values of his society.
William Shakespeare is renowned for his masterful blend of comedy and tragedy, with his tragedies standing out as some of the most profound works in dramatic literature Among them, *King Lear* exemplifies the tragic pinnacle, revealing the vulnerability of parents and noblemen to the destructive actions of unscrupulous children This play also highlights the fragile nature of Elizabethan society, showcasing how internal family conflicts can reflect broader societal instability.
All about the things are main rationales for choosing my graduation thesis.
Aims of the Study
The aims of this study are:
- To understand more clearly about English literature, especially English in the Renaissance
- To know more about Shakespeare’s life and his career, his attitude and his contribution to English literature
- To know more about the play “King Lear” and characters in “King Lear”
- To study some causes leading to the tragedy of King Lear.
Scope of the Study
In this paper, we only focus on the causes leading to tragedy in “King Lear”
Methods of the Study
The methods used in this thesis include:
- Collective method: Collecting relevant materials from different sources: internet, magazines, books, teacher’s lectures
- Analysis and synthetic method: splitting up the issues to get core ideas and then synthesizing to have an overall picture.
Design of the Study
This study consists of three main parts:
Part I Introduction This part provides the basic information such as: rationale, aims of the study, the scopes, methods and the design of the thesis
Part II Development The Dvelopment consists of three main parts:
Chapter 1 provides the background, giving information about William Shakespeare and his literature career and pointing out Shakespeare’s tragedies
Chapter 2 presents an introduction to “King Lear”, the plot of the play and the character list
Chapter 3 presents the causes leading to the tragedy in “King Lear”, lesson learned from the play and the value of the play
Part III Conclusion The whole study is concluded.
BACKGROUND
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, a historic town in central England renowned as a vital river-crossing settlement and bustling market center Celebrated as the greatest English playwright and poet, William Shakespeare's enduring influence has made him a pivotal figure in world literature.
William Shakespeare's father was a glove-maker, and he married Mary Arden, daughter of Robert Arden, a farmer from Wilmcote As a boy, Shakespeare attended Stratford Grammar School, where he received a solid education However, he left school early at the age of 14 due to his family's financial ruin, forcing him to start earning a living independently.
William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway five years later, when he was 18 and she was 26, forming a significant chapter in his personal life Together, they had three children: Susan, born in 1583, and the twins Hamlet and Judith, born in 1585 Tragically, their son Hamlet died at the age of 11 from unknown causes and was buried on August 11, 1596.
Shakespeare lived in Stratford- Upon- Avon until he was twenty-one
In 1587, William Shakespeare arrived in London and quickly established his connection with the theatre scene He authored numerous plays for the acting companies of the time, gaining recognition and success The construction of the Globe Theatre marked a significant milestone in his career, providing a prominent venue to showcase his works These theatres played a crucial role in making Shakespeare a renowned and wealthy playwright.
In 1613, William Shakespeare returned to Stratford-upon-Avon to live in his grandest residence, New Place, where he spent his final years Shakespeare passed away on April 23rd, 1616, and was buried in the local church in Stratford, marking the end of his influential life and legacy.
Shakespeare produced most of his known work between 1589 and
William Shakespeare’s early works focused on comedies and histories, which he elevated to heights of sophistication and artistry by the late 16th century Between 1600 and 1608, he primarily authored tragedies such as "Hamlet," "King Lear," "Othello," and "Macbeth," regarded as some of the greatest masterpieces in English literature In his final phase, Shakespeare explored tragicomedies, also known as romances, showcasing his versatility as a playwright His contemporaries praised him as “the honey-tongued poet” and “Evon River swan,” acknowledging his poetic brilliance Despite the passage of centuries, Shakespeare remains a revered figure, celebrated as one of the greatest playwrights and poets in history.
William Shakespeare, the renowned English poet and playwright, is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's preeminent dramatist Often referred to as England’s national poet and the “Bard of Avon,” Shakespeare's surviving works—including numerous collaborations—comprise approximately 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and various poems, showcasing his unparalleled influence on literature and theater.
38 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and several other poems His plays have been translated into every major living language and performed more often than those other playwright
William Shakespeare, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist, is often called England’s national poet and the “Bard of Avon.” His celebrated works, which include numerous plays and poems—some in collaboration—have solidified his legacy as a towering figure in literature.
38 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and several other poems His plays have been translated into every major living language and performed more often than those other playwright
His literary career can be divided into four periods:
During the first period, the focus was primarily on gay comedies and chronicle-history plays, showcasing an individualized style and approach His works from this era reflect an optimistic vision of people and the world, highlighting his unique theatrical perspective Notably, these themes are best exemplified in his brilliant plays from this time.
- The Taming of the Shrew (1593)
- The Two Gentlement of Verona (1594)
- King Henry IV (part II) (1590)
- King Henry VI (part II) (1590)
- The Tragedy of King Rechard (1590)
During this period, Shakespeare wrote a significant number of history plays, showcasing his remarkable development as a playwright His works, heavily inspired by a pessimistic outlook, focused on national history over more personal stories Shakespeare’s chronicles spanned over a hundred years of English history, emphasizing the course of the nation and its development rather than individual kings' lives and fates Reflecting the humanist ideals of his time, he believed that a centralized monarchy was the ideal form of government, capable of unifying the nation and fostering progress by overcoming feudal struggles One of Shakespeare’s key achievements was his portrayal of not only monarchs, feudal lords, and church figures but also the lower classes, offering a comprehensive view of society.
- The Mary Wives of Windsor (1599)
"The Merchant of Venice is a unique Shakespearean comedy that blends elements of both humor and tragedy, reflecting the complexity of human relationships Central themes include masculine friendship and romantic love, which are contrasted with the inhumanity of Shylock, a usurer whose character embodies prejudice and cruelty This play explores the tension between mercy and justice, highlighting Shakespeare’s skill in portraying the nuanced interplay of comedy and tragedy."
- Julius Caesar (1599) The tragedies show a change in the playwright’s understanding of life, whose approach to reality becomes more pessimistic
The main works written by Shakespeare during the third period are some great tragedies:
- Coriolanus (1608) The tragedies reflect the deep, unsolvable contracdictions of life, the false hood, injustice, and tyranny existing in society They show people who penish in the struggle against evil
During this period, several plays explore the tension between reality and idealism, highlighting the gap between actual ability and human desire These works also delve into the conflict between human love and the limitations of life, emphasizing the complex struggles of the human condition.
- Timon of Athens (1608) And there are two comedies:
- All’s Well That Ends Well (1602)
- Measure for Measure (1604) They are reflected by dark moods and skeptical attitude towards accepted morality without offering solution
During this period, William Shakespeare's outlook on life shifted from optimism to pessimism, overshadowed by a cloud of doubt and melancholy His mind and heart were filled with darkness, reflecting a profound change in his perspective Despite these somber feelings, he produced powerful tragedies and bitter comedies that showcased his artistic maturity and deeper understanding of the human condition.
Tragedies and chronicles are both based on real events, but they differ significantly in focus While playwrights exploring tragedies often delve into themes of good and evil, chronicles primarily emphasize political themes and the public life of a specific period Shakespeare's tragedies center on an individual's life, addressing complex human emotions such as cruelty, kindness, love, and vanity As a result, his tragedies may not always resonate deeply with every new generation.
This period of romantic play is marked by Shakespeare's mastery of both tragedy and comedy, with tragedy remaining dominant Unlike earlier eras, these plays feature generally happier endings, yet they continue to explore vital social and moral issues Importantly, Shakespeare introduces utopian solutions to these problems, offering audiences not only entertainment but also thoughtful reflections on society and morality.
Shakespeare’s tragedies
Shakespeare is the greatest dramatist in the history of English literature
Shakespeare authored a diverse range of plays, including comedies, tragedies, and chronicle-history dramas However, his tragedies are considered the most successful and impactful, leaving a lasting influence on audiences His four greatest tragedies—“Hamlet,” “Othello,” “King Lear,” and “Macbeth”—were all written during the third phase of his creative career, cementing his reputation as a master of tragic theater.
Shakespeare’s tragedies typically start in a well-ordered society and descend into chaos as the hero's flaws take over, highlighting a core theme of personal downfall This chaotic shift is often mirrored in the natural world through storms and mysterious mists, emphasizing the play’s dramatic turmoil Central to these tragedies are protagonists whom audiences can relate to and feel compassion for, as they are usually good individuals ultimately destroyed by their own ego or unfortunate fate.
The four greatest tragedies are: “Hamlet”, “Othello”, “King Lear” and
In Shakespeare's plays like "Macbeth" and "Hamlet," the main characters are unable to control their own destinies, being driven toward inevitable destruction by forces beyond their control Their tragic downfall is often caused by inherent weaknesses or personal flaws, such as Hamlet's indecisiveness, which ultimately lead to their demise These stories highlight how character flaws can determine a tragic fate, emphasizing the destructive power of internal vulnerabilities.
Shakespeare processes is over the perfect moral principle In “Othello”,
Othello’s trusting nature, combined with his nobility and innocence, ultimately leads to his tragic downfall, highlighting how virtue can become a vulnerability King Lear’s greatest weakness lies in his inability to distinguish between false flattery and genuine emotion, which blinds him to the true intentions of others In Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” unchecked ambition drives a once-prominent minister to commit heinous crimes, culminating in his transformation into an evil monarch These plays collectively explore the destructive consequences of excessive and relentless ambition for power.
In Shakespeare's plays, the tragic hero is typically a noble and prosperous individual whose downfall stems from a moral flaw or weakness External factors like ambition, cruelty, and betrayal also contribute significantly to the hero’s tragic fate Evil agents often influence the hero and the forces of good, leading to wrongful decisions that propel the tragedy.
Shakespeare’s works vividly depict English society during the Renaissance, highlighting the prominent role of the aristocracy During this period, the powerful ruling class sought to suppress anything that challenged their authority or hindered their ambitions His plays provide a colorful portrayal of a society where power struggles and societal upheavals reflect the ruthless pursuit of dominance by the aristocracy.
Chapter II THE WORK “KING LEAR”
An introduction to “King Lear”
"King Lear is regarded as one of Shakespeare’s four great tragedies, alongside 'Hamlet,' 'Macbeth,' and 'Othello,' and is often considered the most tragic of his works This timeless play is based on the legend of Leir of Britain, a mythological pre-Roman Celtic king, adding historical and mythological depth to its powerful narrative."
In William Shakespeare's "King Lear," the aging and potentially insane king embarks on a profound tragic journey as he relinquishes his throne, land, and even clothing to his two eldest daughters based on faulty judgments The play explores themes of betrayal, madness, and redemption, culminating in Lear's realization of true loyalty and love His tragic downfall intensifies when he suffers the death of his beloved daughter Cordelia and ultimately himself, highlighting the devastating consequences of misjudgment and human folly "King Lear" is a powerful tragedy that depicts the collapse of authority and the search for genuine understanding amid chaos.
William Shakespeare wrote the original play between 1603 and 1606, later revising it to enhance its dramatic impact His early version, titled "The True Chronicle of the History of the Life and Death of King Lear and His Three Daughters," was published in quarto in 1608, offering an initial glimpse into this tragic narrative The more polished and theatrical version, "The Tragedy of King Lear," was included in the 1623 First Folio, solidifying its place as a key masterpiece of Elizabethan tragedy Renowned playwright George Bernard Shaw once stated, "No man will ever write a better tragedy than Lear," highlighting the play's enduring significance and artistic excellence.
The Plot of the Play
King Lear, the aging ruler of Britain, decides to abdicate the throne and divide his kingdom among his three daughters Before doing so, he tests their love, asking each to express how much they love him While Goneril and Regan give flattering responses, Cordelia, his youngest and favorite daughter, simply states she has no words to measure her love Enraged by her honesty, Lear disowns Cordelia, leading the King of France to declare his intention to marry her regardless of her inheritance Consequently, Cordelia leaves for France with her suitor, highlighting the themes of filial loyalty and dishonor.
Lear quickly realizes he made a terrible decision as Goneril and Regan begin to systematically undermine his remaining authority Their betrayal devastates Lear, leading him to a state of increasing despair and mental instability As his trust is broken, Lear slowly descends into madness, experiencing the tragic consequences of misplaced loyalty and familial betrayal.
He flees his daughters’ houses to wander on a heath during a great thunderstorm, accompanied by his Fool and by Kent, a loyal nobleman in disguise
Elderly nobleman Gloucester faces family turmoil when his illegitimate son, Edmund, deceives him into suspecting his legitimate son, Edgar, of plotting his murder Fleeing a manhunt instigated by Gloucester, Edgar disguises himself as a "Poor Tom" beggar, mirroring Lear’s act of madness, and escapes onto the heath to escape danger.
Loyal Gloucester's decision to support King Lear despite the danger highlights themes of loyalty and betrayal in the play When Regan and Cornwall discover Gloucester aiding Lear, they accuse him of treason, blind him, and cast him out to wander the countryside Ultimately, Gloucester is led by his disguised son, Edgar, toward Dover, where Lear has also been taken, illustrating the play's exploration of loyalty, deception, and suffering.
In Dover, a French army arrives as part of an invasion led by Cordelia to save her father, King Lear Meanwhile, Edmund becomes romantically involved with both Regan and Goneril, whose husband Albany grows increasingly sympathetic to Lear’s cause Goneril and Edmund secretly conspire to eliminate Albany, heightening the political and personal tensions in the story.
In the play, Gloucester, overwhelmed by despair, attempts suicide but is saved when Edgar tricks him into believing he's leading him off an imaginary cliff Meanwhile, the English forces arrive at Dover, defeating the French led by Cordelia, while Lear and Cordelia are captured The climax unfolds with Edgar killing Edmund in a duel, revealing Gloucester’s death, and exposing Goneril’s jealousy-driven murder of Regan and her subsequent suicide upon her treachery being exposed Betrayal by Edmund results in Cordelia’s wrongful execution, and Lear dies from heartbreak over Cordelia’s death Ultimately, Albany, Edgar, and Kent are left to govern the battered kingdom amid sorrow and regret.
THE CAUSES LEADING TO THE TRAGEDY IN “KING LEAR”
King Lear’s tragedy- the effect of many factors
"King Lear," one of William Shakespeare's greatest tragedies, was first performed around 1905 to 1906 The play is rooted in the legend of Leir of Britain, a mythological pre-Roman Celtic king, making it a timeless tale of power and betrayal Shakespeare enhances the story by incorporating details about King Lear from his other works, enriching the depth and complexity of this enduring classic.
King Lear has ruled his kingdom effectively and is highly respected, but as he ages, he seeks a successor to his throne He plans to divide his realm among his three daughters based on their expressions of love for him, expecting the most flattery from the eldest two, Goneril and Regan, to secure the largest share of power and wealth Meanwhile, his youngest daughter, Cordelia, refuses to engage in false praise, leading Lear to disown her and deny her any inheritance Lear’s arrangement involves living alternately with each daughter and her husband for a month at a time, accompanied by a retinue of one hundred knights, as he prepares to step back from his rule.
After gaining power, Goneril and Regan’s attitudes shift from coldness to arrogance, leading them to abandon their father, King Lear Lear descends into madness and wanders the stormy night, eventually reuniting with Cordelia amid the conflict between the British and French armies Following the French defeat, King Lear and Cordelia are captured, and the Duke of Albany reveals Goneril’s plot to kill him In a tragic turn, Goneril poisons Regan and takes her own life, culminating in King Lear’s death at the play’s conclusion.
The tragedy of King Lear originates from the era in which he lives, reflecting the political and social climate of his time As a ruler, King Lear governs his kingdom with an arbitrary and dictatorial attitude, surrounded primarily by sycophantic courtiers rather than honest advisors This corrupt environment contributes to his downfall, making him a victim of the very era's treachery and moral decay.
3.1.1 The external causes 3.1.1.1 The chaotic era
During the Renaissance era in England, a chaotic political landscape prevailed despite the monarchy holding supreme power Economic development during this period intensified social inequalities, creating a stark divide between the wealthy aristocrats and the impoverished masses Urban and rural societies diverged dramatically, yet both faced moral decline influenced by the corrupting effects of power, wealth, and social status.
The play highlights significant social changes in England from the 14th to 15th centuries, reflecting a complex and evolving society Shakespeare portrays characters across various social classes, including kings, nobles, knights, citizens, soldiers, and farmers, illustrating the diverse strata of medieval England Beyond telling a family’s story, the play offers a detailed depiction of societal structures and relationships, emphasizing the interconnectedness of different social groups As Gloucester states, the play captures the intricate social dynamics of the time, providing valuable insight into England’s historical social fabric.
This passage highlights how the destructive effects of internal conflicts can lead to societal and familial discord, such as love cooling, friendships falling apart, and family divisions It describes widespread mutinies in cities, national discord, palace treachery, and broken bonds between fathers and sons, illustrating the destructive nature of treachery and betrayal The text emphasizes the recurring cycle of betrayal, with sons against fathers and vice versa, reflecting the tragic decline of moral integrity It also laments that even in our best times, machinations, superficiality, treachery, and disorder inevitably lead to ruin, casting a somber shadow over human existence.
All reflect the disintegration of feudal system in England at that time Society was cut into small pieces each member only cares for their right and fights against others
“King Lear” has set up a crowded, luxury and prosperous urban area
Behind the glossy façade of aristocratic life lies a world of complexity, confusion, and deception, revealing the true nature of those who claim noble status In Shakespeare's tragedy, characters are defined by their titles and social positions—earls, dukes, ladies—yet their behavior is often despicable, as they manipulate friendships for personal gain Despite belonging to the upper class, these individuals display a lack of integrity, prioritizing wealth and self-interest over genuine virtues In a monarchical society, respect is rarely given to kings; instead, fear and submission dominate, with human dignity and righteousness often sidelined by the allure of power The king's throne becomes a tempting prize for greedy courtiers and sycophants, turning loyalty into a game of self-interest Even in love, judgments are made based on material considerations, as seen in the relationship between Cordelia and the duke of Burgundy—who quickly abandons her after she loses her property and her father's affection—highlighting the materialistic nature of their courtship Cordelia, in contrast, exemplifies honesty and truthfulness, refusing to compromise her integrity for selfish motives.
Since that respects of fortune are his love,
I shall not be his wife.”
Other daughters of King Lear praised, swore and expressed their love toward father to appropriate King Lear’s property, though they did not like his hot-tempered and eccentric character
Goneril used sweet words to talk about her father:
“Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter;
Dearer than eye-sight, space, and liberty;
Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare;
No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour;
As much as child e'er loved, or father found;
A love that makes breath poor, and speech unable;
Beyond all manner of so much I love you.”
(Act I, Scene I) Regan, the daughter who abandoned her father after only a half month, had flattered before
Of the self-same metal that my sister is, And prize me at her worth In my true heart
I find she names my very deed of love;
Only she comes too short: that I profess Myself an enemy to all other joys, Which the most precious square of sense possesses;
And find I am alone felicitate
In your dear highness' love.”
Social upheaval and changing social orders have deeply affected family dynamics, reflecting broader societal shifts Family serves as a microcosm of society, revealing elements of deception and instability, exemplified by innocent children like Princess Cordelia who are rejected despite their love Machiavellian characters such as Edmund exploit treacherous plots and deceitful letters to betray family members and usurp property, illustrating the fragile nature of social hierarchy In King Lear’s society, notions of equality are unstable; characters like Edgar suffer injustice and betrayal without protest, forced to conceal their true identities and survive through hardship.
Escaping the hunt through the hidden hollow of a tree, I find no port or refuge that is free from vigilant guards Every place is watched with the most unusual vigilance, making my escape challenging; I must seize the opportunity while I can to escape unnoticed.
I will preserve myself: and am bethought
To take the basest and most poorest shape That ever penury, in contempt of man, Brought near to beast: my face I'll grime with filth;
Blanket my loins: elf all my hair in knots;
And with presented nakedness out-face The winds and persecutions of the sky.”
In Act II, Scene 3, the King has lost his throne, and society is now controlled by the aristocracy, forcing kind-hearted individuals to live in fear or go into hiding Earl of Kent defends Princess Cordelia, leading to his expulsion from the royal palace, highlighting themes of loyalty and justice Meanwhile, Edgar flees from his father and brother without understanding their anger, symbolizing the chaos and misunderstanding within the royal family Both Kent and Edgar adopt disguises to attain peace and safety, yet they remain respected and loved by their servants and friends, emphasizing the enduring value of loyalty and inner dignity amidst political turmoil.
The play depicts a period when the feudal system was weakening, highlighting the rapid rise of the bourgeoisie and its influence on society Bourgeois ideology led to the decline of traditional values, replacing them with a selfish lifestyle where everything was measured by money Although the play focuses on a small part of urban life, it reflects a universal picture of seventeenth-century British society, illustrating the social and economic transformations of the era.
In this era, ongoing conflicts within King Lear's family cause the country to split, highlighting the fragile unity of the realm King Lear's decision to divide his kingdom between his two daughters reflects his belief that they genuinely love and care for him This act of separation underscores themes of familial loyalty and political fragility, illustrating how personal conflicts can lead to larger national divisions.
“I do invest you jointly with my power, Pre -eminence, and all the large effects That troop with majesty Ourself, by monthly course, With reservation of an hundred knights,
By you to sustain’d, shall our abode Make with you by due turns Only we still retain The name, and all the additions to a king;
The sway, revenue, execution of the rest, Beloved sons, be yours; which to confirm, This coronet part bewixt you.”
Due to political division, England is experiencing significant turmoil, with urban areas suffering from decline and rural regions devastated by unfortunate circumstances Citizens have become impoverished, many turning to begging as their livelihoods diminish amidst these troubled times.
“The country gives me proof and precedent
Of Bedlam beggars, who, with roaring voices, Strike in their numb'd and mortified bare arms Pins, wooden pricks, nails, sprigs of rosemary;
And with this horrible object, from low farms, Poor pelting villages, sheep-cotes, and mills, Sometime with lunatic bans, sometime with prayers, Enforce their charity Poor Turlygod! poor Tom!”
Many plays are set in backgrounds such as fields, cottages, and battlefields In "King Lear," Shakespeare depicts the scene where the second daughter intentionally drives away her father and locks the door to prevent his return This transformation turns a powerful king into a wandering homeless figure, as his possessions fall into the daughter’s hands On a stormy night, the Earl of Kent escorts King Lear to a ragged tent among fellow wanderers in the field, highlighting the king’s tragic fall from power.
Lesson learned from the play
"King Lear" explores the disintegration of outdated ideologies, feudal ethics, and patriarchal authority, revealing the collapse of vital human relationships such as love between father and son, brotherhood, friendship, and family bonds The play highlights individualism as a hallmark of the emerging pre-capitalist era in the UK, which initially fostered illusions for characters like King Lear and the Earl of Gloucester However, this newfound individualism ultimately leads to destruction for those who worship it as their guiding principle, including Goneril, Regan, Cornwall, Edmund, and Oswald In Act V, both virtuous and villainous characters perish, emphasizing the tragic consequences of their choices The stormy night, with thunder and lightning, underscores the play’s themes, illustrating that the downfall of Goneril and Regan is not divine punishment but a consequence of human flaws, with nature’s fury mirroring their moral chaos.
Throughout "King Lear," the character undergoes a profound transformation from a blind, self-centered ruler to a compassionate and understanding leader, highlighting the play’s themes of personal growth through adversity The narrative explores the conflict between kindness and selfishness, exposing the moral corruption and frailty within family relationships, particularly between parents and children, and between spouses As King Lear descends into madness and ultimately dies, questions arise about how his heirs—the Duke of Albany, Earl of Kent, and Edgar—can rebuild their fractured kingdom To prevent repeating King Lear’s tragic mistakes, these characters must prioritize loyalty, wisdom, and compassion, fostering unity and moral integrity in a renewed, resilient society.
Initially, audiences despise the arbitrary and conservative King Lear, but by the end of the play, they sympathize with his plight and condemn an unjust society where power and wealth corrupt individuals King Lear’s journey to discovering truth is painful, making him one of Shakespeare’s most tragic characters, alongside families in tragedies like Othello and Hamlet The play also depicts a subplot involving the Earl of Gloucester’s family, torn apart by Edmund’s scheming against his half-brother, Edgar, revealing that both fathers suffer from their inability to see the truth about their children King Lear ultimately loses everything before recognizing authentic values, and Gloucester’s blindness allows him to finally perceive the truth Sitting on the throne, Lear’s arrogance makes him seem great, but he becomes truly insightful only after being neglected and abandoned, reaching a moment of insanity that grants him greater clarity than ever before.
Art mad? This passage challenges perceptions by suggesting that one can understand the world not through sight but through listening and intuition It highlights how justice can appear to rail against the innocent, urging us to consider perspective and the nature of true justice For example, a farmer's dog barking at a beggar illustrates how appearances can be deceptive, prompting us to question what is genuinely just versus what is misunderstood.
The death of his beloved daughter is the biggest pain to King Lear, it made him collapse Lear’s death ended all suffering in life
The play highlights a key lesson: true happiness is not superior to others but resides in shared understanding and empathy Through King Lear's journey of self-awareness, he discovers that genuine fulfillment comes from recognizing our common humanity This transformative process emphasizes that inner happiness is accessible to everyone, regardless of status or circumstances, reinforcing the importance of humility and compassion.
Poor and homeless, these vulnerable souls suffer from harsh storms with no shelter, exposing their unprotected heads and starving bodies to the brutal elements Their tattered clothing offers little defense against severe weather conditions, highlighting the urgent need for greater compassion and support for the needy Recognizing the lack of proper care for the less fortunate underscores the importance of social responsibility and community aid.
(Act III, Scene IV) Meaningful life does not need money and power, only needs the piece of mind Heartfelt love remains last forever
Princess Cordelia, despite lacking her father King Lear’s love, remains the most sincere and devoted daughter She shows unwavering loyalty by waiting patiently for news from the king, even after being disowned and left without possessions Upon learning that her sisters abandoned Lear and that he had fallen into madness, Cordelia immediately returned to England to support him Witnessing her father’s state of madness, she is filled with compassion, demonstrating her genuine love and concern.
“Alack, 'tis he: why, he was met even now
As mad as the vex'd sea; singing aloud;
Crown'd with rank fumiter and furrow-weeds, With bur-docks, hemlock, nettles, cuckoo-flowers, Darnel, and all the idle weeds that grow
In our sustaining corn A century send forth”
As before, she refused to marry the rich suitor who only wants her dowry, now she is willing to give up her property to cure father’s disease
In the restoring his bereaved sense?
He that helps him take all my outward worth.”
(Act IV, Scene IV) Cordelia and French army come back England not because of politic intrigue That is her love to the poor father
It is thy business that I go about;
My mourning and important tears hath pitied
No blown ambition doth our arms incite, But love, dear love, and our aged father's right:
Soon may I hear and see him!”
In Act IV, Scene IV, Shakespeare concludes the play with a profound question about the meaning of life after both good and bad characters are killed, highlighting the social realities of his time The play encourages audiences to reflect on the importance of combating social evils to create a more just and equitable society Through this ending, Shakespeare emphasizes the need for collective action to pursue social justice, making it a powerful call for societal change The play's ending serves as an urgent plea for justice, inspiring viewers to challenge injustice and work towards a fairer community.
The value of the play
Unlike comedy, Shakespeare’s tragedy fills with heavy thinking about conflicts Humanistic ideal and reality of social evil are opposite aspects
This tragedy vividly illustrates the failure of humanistic ideals to resolve complex political and social issues, culminating in a stage filled with death and destruction Key characters meet tragic ends: Goneril poisons Regan and then takes her own life; Edgar overcomes Edmund; Cornwall is killed by Gloucester’s servant; Gloucester dies in pain; and Lear dies out of grief over Cordelia’s death Shakespeare’s portrayal reflects the grim reality of his era, where good often struggles to triumph over evil As Lear laments Cordelia’s death, Shakespeare uses Kent’s poignant question to highlight the tragic futility of human effort and the enduring human suffering amidst chaos.
“Is this the promise end?”
After witnessing the scenes that Cordelia is hanged, King Lear and Gloucester are dead, Albany has said that:
“He weight of this sad time we must obey;
Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say
The oldest hath borne most: we that are young Shall never see so much, nor live so long.”
In Act V, Scene III of "King Lear," Shakespeare masterfully explores the realistic and humane values of the play, embodying the playwright's dream of resolving social conflicts The play addresses conflicts arising in love, family, political contexts, and between thought and action, showcasing how these tensions are ultimately resolved through reason and compassion Shakespeare's nuanced storytelling highlights the possibility of harmony and understanding amidst chaos, emphasizing the play’s enduring relevance and moral depth.
During Shakespeare's era, feudal lords fought for power and dominance, creating a landscape of social turmoil Although the bourgeoisie began to rise, it remained weak and unable to challenge the entrenched feudal oppression fully People endured ongoing exploitation and hardship under feudal rule, highlighting the widespread social inequality Shakespeare depicted this turbulent society through anguished yet hopeful words, reflecting his unwavering belief in a better future He envisioned resolving social conflicts through sincere love, combined with strong actions to combat evil and promote equality.
Literature serves as a mirror reflecting the realities of life, with Shakespeare’s works depicting England during a transitional period marked by conflicts between good and bad, progress and tradition, nobility and vulgarity.
"King Lear" was traditionally viewed as a moral teaching play, emphasizing the importance of filial duty and the consequences of cruelty However, it also holds significant socio-political meaning, serving as a miniature reflection of British society during the Renaissance era.
Surely Honoré de Balzac was affected by “King Lear” when he wrote
Despite living in different periods, the French writer and British playwright share similar themes, particularly their focus on family contradictions to explore society's true nature and human nature "Le Père Goriot" exemplifies how literature can depict the complexities within family dynamics to reveal societal truths Similarly, Shakespeare's versatile plays, blending fairy and modern elements, masterfully combine tragic and comic aspects, showcasing his exceptional talent in capturing the multifaceted nature of human experience.