Shakespeare's King Lear is considered a tragedy in the world of literature mainly because Lear suffers physical and emotional breakdowns after making several unfavorable decisions. As a consequence of such unwise actions, Shakespeare reveals many valuable themes. The presentation of these themes and the fact that one is able to understand as well as feel what the characters are going through, whether it is emotional, mental, or physical, is what clearly characterizes this work as literature.
             Some of the themes portrayed in this tragedy are irrationality, madness, jealousy, loyalty, betrayal, reduction of power, and family ties. Due to Lear's irrationality and pride, he establishes a dysfunctional relationship between his daughters and himself as well as consequently loses all the power and fortune that he favored having. He is totally blinded by his pride and the dishonesty of two of his daughters. The downfalls and mental breakdowns that he experiences trigger the madness within him to unleash. Therefore, themes create the principal ideas that bring forth the whole essence and worth of a literary work.
             Besides understanding the themes, being able to experience the pleasure and pain of a character is what literature is all about. The reader is allowed the sensation of walking in the character's shoes as well as seeing through his/her eyes. These kinds of opportunities allow the reader to explore the meaning and use of the term "literature" by allowing one to become familiar with cultures, values, or customs of the time period. For example in King Lear, the reader becomes aware of how important wealth is to the powerful families through their actions.
             Although King Lear falls into the category of literature due to the emphasis and value that institutional education places on the works of Shakespeare, that should not be a factor in such a major decision. It is this playwright's cr...