Lear, the protagonist of King Lear, is a remarkably dynamic character who is finally forced to “grow up” at the age of “Fourscore and upward,” (4.7.61). The play focuses on Lear’s interior state of mind as he transforms from a vain and foolish king to a chastened and wiser deposed monarch. Throughout the play’s action, Lear is revealed as a complex character whose contradictions and extreme opposites of behavior highlight the changes he undergoes. The interrelated concepts of pride, irrationality, madness, compassion, social awareness, and humility alternately characterize Lear as he undergoes this elaborate process of change.
The early Lear tends to show himself as foolish and egotistic. Having enjoyed a comfortable reign as ruler of Britain, Lear expects a carefree and convenient retirement in which he can maintain the respect and title of king without the burdensome duties of political office. The rigidity of Lear’s mind at this early point in the play is showcased by his announcement that in giving up his kingdom, “‘tis our fast intent/ To shake all cares and business from our age…” (1.1.37-38). This statement implies that Lear is content with what he has achieved and become, and that he is retiring from a thoughtful
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Lear no longer regards himself as infallible, and expects Cordelia to scorn him for his earlier misdeeds. It is Lear’s reaction to Goneril’s refusal to house him together with his whole retinue that marks the first real premonition of his madness, and the Fool suggests that it is his lack of wisdom, which accompanied his old age, that will be the cause of it. The once-omnipotent king has no effective means of dealing with his loss of position and power. Lear wants to remain in charge of his destiny, even though the choices he makes are poor or filled with danger. Lear’s gradual realization of the disloyalty of his two elder daughters leads him to anticipate his oncoming madness. Instead, he has contributed to their demise. All these qualities converge to produce a dynamic character equation with attributes that are constantly changing, receding, and regenerating. He has finally abandoned his hopes for a world in which he will continue to be admired and respected simply due to his own authority rather than his crown. Though will possess neither money nor power, Lear asserts that he will be content to “live/ And pray, and sing, and tell old takes, and laugh/ At gilded butterflies…” (5. Lear comes to a full realization of the lack of insight that characterized his previous behavior.
Approximate Word count =
1785
Approximate Pages =
7 (250 words per page double spaced)
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