The Butterfly Effect In King Lear

The Butterfly Effect Committing mistakes is inherent to the learning process as it is the ability to learn from others’ failures and successes which determines one’s wisdom. It is only in enduring appalling events that one is faced with nature’s trials and is given the opportunity to grow. In William Shakespeare’s King Lear, King Lear learns the true nature of those around him when he is forced to endure emotional and physical hardships. In Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, three spirits expose Ebenezer Scrooge to those who suffer from his actions several times before he redeems himself. In King Lear and A Christmas Carol, both Lear and Scrooge must persevere through life’s trials in order to redeem themselves. First, both Lear and Scrooge’s …show more content…
When the court gathers around Lear, he announces that he will divide his kingdom amongst his daughters “to shake all cares and business from [his] age” (Shakespeare I, i, 37). Lear’s obsession with flattery is a firm indicator of his lack of morals, therefore blinding him to the reality that his possessions will be taken advantage of, which will bring on future challenges for him to realize this flaw. Unfortunately, Lear is stubborn and refuses to take advice from anyone, thus leaving the one option for him to start on the journey to fix this reversal in fate. Although Lear sets himself up for a new fate, he starts on a new path that will teach him the cruel ways of life in order to punish and redeem him for his mistakes. Lack of gratitude for one’s inner and outer wealth is demonstrated through both King Lear and Ebenezer Scrooge, which leads them to find peace and love in their lives once …show more content…
When safety is found after the atrocious storm, Lear reveals that when “the rain [comes] to wet [him] once, and the wind / to make [him] chatter (…) there [he] found [the truth about his daughters]” (Shakespeare IV, vi, 100-102). The storm acts as one of nature’s final trials for Lear, which the storm helps him to clear his vision to the world’s intentions by giving him the opportunity to find his state of mind. The nature of the storm is finally helping Lear to realize he did not appreciate or love many people, when they need the most care. By demonstrating honest courage throughout the challenges of life and nature, Lear and Scrooge redeem themselves feeling inner peace as they come out with a new perspective on life. In A Christmas Carol and King Lear, both protagonists must suffer the repercussions of their past actions to fulfill their destiny. First, the obsessions with outer image lead to the suffering of Lear and Scrooge. Next, by observing the hardships of not only themselves but of others, they develop compassion. Finally, both Lear and Scrooge show undeniable courage to redeem themselves for the sake of their and others’ suffering. It is in the direst situations that one’s will to survive mentally and physically prove whether one has wisdom or wishes to gain