King Lear Research Paper

King Lear, a tragic play that takes place in Britain, was written by William Shakespeare. Though the king is well respected by those that work close to him, his claims on being a man “more sinned against than sinning” are not agreeable. Lear's egotism and poor judgment, his inability to accept reality, as well as lack of remorse to those below him prove he has sinned more than he has been sinned against.

King Lear allows his ego to get in the way of his judgment. The play starts with the aging king, Lear, holding a meeting to divide his kingdom between his three loving daughters so he could later crawl towards death. “Tell me, my daughters,

(Since now we will divest us both of rule, Interest of territory, cares of state)

Which of you shall

One daughter, Cordelia, is unable to satisfy his ego and is there for banished from the kingdoms all together. The banishment stirs up emotions and questions from his noble friend, Kent, who then joins Cordelia in being Banished. Hear me, recreant! On thine allegiance hear me. That thou hast sought to make us break our vows, Which we durst never yet, and with strained pride To come betwixt our sentence and our power, Which nor our nature nor our place can bear, Our potency made good, take thy reward: Five days we do allot thee for provision To shield thee from diseases of the world. And on the sixth to turn thy hated back Upon our kingdom. If on the next day following Thy banished trunk be found in our dominions, The moment is thy death. (1.1.170-181) Lear, a man much to focused on himself, iis completely ignorant to real feelings. Lear’s illogical choice of banishing both Kent and Cordelia proves he is has sinned more than he has been sinned

Goneril, who does not feel comfortable or safe with Lear having so many men, tells him he must reduce his men by half if he wants to continue staying with her. Lear does not like people thinking for him or questioning what he has already spoken. He commits another sin by threatening to take his daughter's life by putting the curse on her. “Hear, Nature, hear, dear goddess, hear! Suspend thy purpose if thou didst intend To make this creature fruitful. Into her womb convey sterility. Dry up in her the organs of increase, And from her derogate body never spring A babe to honor her! If she must teem, Create her child of spleen, that it may live And be a thwart disnatured torment to her. Let it stamp wrinkles in her brow of youth, With cadent tears fret channels in her cheeks, Turn all her mother's pains and benefits To laughter and contempt, that she may feel How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is To have a thankless child!—Away, away!