traglear King Lear Essays: Tragic and Pitiful King :: King Lear essays

The Tragic and Pitiful King Lear   The general plot of King Lear revolves mainly around the conflict between the King and his daughters, although in that location is a definite and distinct sub-plot dealing with the plight and tragedy of Gloucester as well.  One of the main themes that Shakespe are chooses to focus on in King Lear  is the dysfunctional constitution of not only the royal family and Gloucester, but the heartache and emotional strain that goes along with being a parent and having to make a decision that willing divide your children.  This play focuses on not only the after effects of this decision, but the way in which it affects the King, his children and his subjects as well.               A strong case underside be made for King Lear as Shakespeares most tragic effort of his career.  The fact that nearly the entire cast of this play either is murdered or dies with little to no redemption makes t he strongest case for this.  In nearly every other Shakespearian perish, save perhaps Othello, at least some of the characters savour a bit of redemption or salvation with the resolution of the conflict.  King Lears characters are privy to neither of these.  The bitterness, sadness, and reality of the human psyche that is contained throughout this work demonstrate its tragic nature best, however.               The tie emotionally and physically between a father and a daughter (or son, in relation to the Gloucester/Edmund/Edgar plot) is something entirely diverse than husband-wife or boyfriend-girlfriend in many of Shakespeares other plays. In the very beginning of the play, when Lear is foolishly dividing up his kingdom between his three daughters, and after he has asked Cordelias both older sisters what they think of him, he turns to her and asks the same question.  Her reply shows the true nature of her character, as she says, Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave my heart into my mouth.  I recognise Your Majesty according to my bond, no more, nor less. (1.1, ll. 91-93)  His words could almost be considered  threatening by declaring that her unwillingness to express her making love in words might, mar her fortunes.  We are privy to definitive foreshadowing with Cordelias reply of, Good my lord, you have begot me, bred me, loved me.  I return those duties back to you as are right fit, obey you, love you, and most honor you.