William Shakespeare's King Lear

Although referred to as a distinct philosophy, it seems nearly impossible to find an exact definition for the term “existentialism.” This is primarily true because existentialist thinkers, such as Friedrich Nietzchse, Søren Kierkegaard, and Fjodor Dostoyevsky, never agree on what the definition of existentialism is or its terms. However, according to a definition provided by St. Aslem College, existentialist thought can be defined as being “thrown into existence first without a predetermined nature and only later do we construct our nature or essence through our actions (Banach).” This means several things. First, we have no predestined nature to control what we are, do, or find valuable. Second, we are free to act individually of willpower by outside influences. Third, we construct our human nature through our free choices as we experience emotions such as love, hate, and fear. And lastly, we form our values through our free choices. In the context of Shakespeare’s King Lear, Shakespeare touches on the existentials of the human condition, which shall be discussed later in further detail. Existentialism provides substance to the play where the reader can watch King Lear shape his destiny through the choices he makes.

King Lear is an exceptional piece of art that provides insight into the human condition through existentialism. King Lear is challenged with existence in its plainest form and forced to adapt to that existence (Baker). His adjustment to the absurd provides a unique vision for all into the problem of existence. Lear is obligated into an existential evolution that will be traced with the marvel of realization. The outcome of his development throughout the story is viewed ironically in that Lear finds contentment in mi...

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...timately senseless and empty (Pratt). This means in order to find the “value” to life, we must embrace the suffering with which we are faced. Lear’s misery brings him liberty and the gratification of accepting the universe. He challenges the human condition through embracing his suffering, and is forced to tolerate it. His anguish and his optimism were the foundation of his agony, for enduring to trust the universe offers something cherishable obstructs life. In order for Lear to “live” he must accept his despair and in that hopelessness he can truly be free. He dies because there is nothing worth living for and as an outcome of this realization, Lear no longer constrained by anything and is able to act freely; he is existentially free. He is suffering and ironically he is satisfied because in death he finds freedom since he is no longer brought down by false hope.