Oedipus and King Lear
In Sophocles' Oedipus the King, Kalidasa's Sakuntala and the Ring of Recollection, and Shakespeare's King Lear, there are characters that help the hypothetical figure see the "whole of reality". In Oedipus the King the characters Jocasta and Tiresias allow Oedipus realize his tragic flaw. The same can be said of Kent in King Lear. Also, in Sakuntala and the Ring of Recollection the ring that was given to Sakuntala is the catalyst that allowed King Dusyanta realize that Sakuntala was indeed his wife. These characters serve three important purposes in their respective plays (although a ring is not usually considered to be a character). First of all, they are crucial in shaping the plot of the play. Secondly, they are important in revealing to the audience the flaws of the main character. Lastly and most importantly, they are a symbol of truth and through them the ostensible figure is able to see the "whole of reality". In Oedipus the King, Tiresias is introduced early in the play. At first he refuses to tell Oedipus what he knows about the death of Laius. He says, "Let me go home. That way is best, for you, for me. Let me live my life, and you live yours." (37). T
The fact that Tiresias has accused Oedipus of murder does hint to the audience that he is indeed doomed. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. Kent is the first person in the play to warn the King of his rashness and the first to plainly state the truth. This ring means to symbol the bond of love and marriage that keeps them together but, when she loses the ring, it becomes the only thing keeping them apart. Kent is a symbol of loyalty and truthfulness throughout the play. When the curse is put on King Dusyanta, he is unable to recognize Sakuntala until he sees the ring. By coming in disguise as a worthy servant, Kent aims Lear towards the truth. These figures are crucial to the plot of the play. Without these crucial characters the "whole of reality" may have never been revealed. In Sakuntala and the Ring of Recollection, Sakuntala is given a ring by King Dusyanta. New York: Oxford University Press, 1978.
Common topics in this essay:
King Dusyanta,
Tiresias Oedipus,
Kent Lear,
Lear Kent,
King Tiresias,
King Lear,
Instead Oedipus',
Priyamvada Durvasas,
Lear Reverse,
King Laius,
king lear,
sakuntala ring,
king dusyanta,
ring recollection,
oedipus king,
sakuntala ring recollection,
king lear kent,
reality oedipus,
accused oedipus,
tragedy kent,
king laius,
lear sakuntala,
king dusyanta unable,
shakespeare's king lear,
reality oedipus king,
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Acceptance Essays
