Comparing King Lear And Tuesdays With Morrie

Wisdom is the soundness of an action or decision with regard to the application of experience, knowledge, and good judgment. Wisdom, a very valued and respected trait in our society, is often associated with the elderly. In both King Lear by William Shakespeare and Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, the protagonists are able to acquire wisdom by undergoing trials and tribulations. However, both these men began their quest as complete opposites. Morrie emphasizes the values of family and love, while Lear cannot even recognize love when it presents itself in the form of his daughter’s speech. Morrie is disappointed by the culture in his society while Lear is narrow-minded and only sees the world through the eyes of social order. Finally, Morrie

Morrie believed that death should be accepted and by accepting that this world is temporary we can recognize what really matters in life: love. When Mitch asks Morrie how facing death has affected him, Morrie answers, “…you focus on the essentials. When you realize you are going to die, you see everything much differently. …Learn how to die, and you learn how to live.” (Albom, 83). Morrie believes that even though he has little time left to live, he can still share his message and have an impact on the world. He believes that if more people lived as if they were going to die at any moment then the world would be a more positive place. Conversely, Lear decides to give away his title of king and to split up his land even before he dies because he feels that his life no longer has meaning. For instance, when Lear announces that he desires to give away his land and kingship, he says, “…’tis our fast intent / To shake all cares and business from our age, / Conferring them on younger strengths while we / Unburdened crawl toward death.” (I, i, 39-42). Lear feels like he has nothing left to contribute to his country and instead gives away his sense of responsibility as if he is already dead. Morrie and Lear both have opposite views but through suffering they receive enlightenment and begin to realize that people should live as though each day is one’s