Shakespeares King Lear - The Redemption of King Lear Essay

The Redemption of King Lear It is said that no other playwright illustrates the human condition like William Shakespeare. Furthermore, it is said that no other play illustrates the human condition like King Lear. The story of a bad king who becomes a good man is truly one of the deepest analyses of humanity in literary history; and it can be best seen through the evolution of Lear himself. In essence, King Lear goes through hell in order to compensate for his sins. Lears relationship with his three daughters, Goneril, Regan and Cordelia, is, from the beginning, very uncharacteristic of the typical father-daughter relationship. Its clear that the king is more interested in words than true feelings, as he†¦show more content†¦When he chooses to abdicate his throne and puts each of the young women on trial, he commits the sin that leads to his downfall. Its clear that Lears first motive for giving up his title is to gain further respect from his people - if he relinquishes his crown then hell be thought of as noble and aware of his old age. However, Cordelias surprising answer to his question results in her banishment, and eventually the banishment of the Earl of Kent, Lears former supporter. Left in the aftermath of these acts are the people who wish to use Lear in their favor. Persuaded by Edmund, Lears older daughters begin to abuse their new power. Feeling emotionally jilted and vengeful, they take everything from their fa ther. Lear is now just a vulnerable old man, naked and virtually alone. Truly, Lear is at fault for all of this as his favoritism for Cordelia has scarred Goneril and Regan, thus driving them to commit their treacherous acts. These acts represent the first stages of Lears hell. Lear, through his daughters betrayal, finds himself struggling to survive in the middle of an overwhelming tempest. Now mad, the king finds shelter with Gloucester, his Fool and Edgar, posing as a madman. King Lear decides to hold a second trial of his daughters; but this time, he is questioning all their love. This second of three trials in the play is possibly the mostShow MoreRelated Tragic Redemption of King Lear Essay1642 Words   |  7 PagesThe Tragic Redemption of King Lear Shakespeares ultimate Tragedy, King Lear, is indeed a dark and soul-harrowing play. The tragic madness of King Lear, and of the subsequent turmoil that follows from it, is all the more terrible for the kings inability to cope with the loss of his mind, his family, and his pride. This descent into horror culminates at the tragic conclusion, where both the innocent and the guilty die for others mistakes and lack of judgment. And yet, as bleakRead MoreThe Tragic Hero Of King Lear1310 Words   |  6 PagesKing Lear, one of William Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies, depicts a society in uninviting circumstances. 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