Perils of Altruism in Shakespeare's King Lear

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The Danger of Selflessness in King Lear Thematic of all Shakespearean tragedy are the individualistic, self-serving agendas of its characters and the subsequent deteriorations of interpersonal relationships among these characters. The King Lear play is deserving of such designation. The King Lear play resonates a clear distinction between good and evil. Within the structures of these antagonistic forces lies the personal schema of the individual. Through the circumstances of their harsh environment the characters of the play move toward a survival-of-the-fittest-type approach. The existence of a dog-eat-dog society forces this position. In such a world, to consider the collective good of the group or the well being of another is potentially hazardous to the individual - the virtue of selflessness perhaps harmful. For example, the character of Kent - attempting to bring Lear to the realization of the error in banishing Cordelia, Kent himself is exiled for admonishing the king's decision. The actions of Cordelia herself provide further affirmation of the inherent risks and subsequent consequences of considering the welfare of others. The misfortunes of Gloucester further lend to the claim that acts of altruism, in the Lear environment, prove harmful to the welfare of the individual. For instance, Gloucester's allegiance to Lear results in his gruesome disfigurement. In turn, Cornwall's servant, pleading for the duke to show mercy on Gloucester, ultimately results in his death.

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