The Real Kent The character Kent in Shakespeare's tragedy King Lear is a man of values who acts upon them when he sees injustice. He is depicted this way based upon his placed times of speech and strong confident diction. Most every person in this tragedy has had an opportunity at some point or another to stand against the King and his wrongdoings, so why then was Kent the only one to truly do this? Every since the start of reading this book I have admired and been fascinated by Kent and what forms the actions he takes. When Lear scorned Corderlia immediately following her attempt to appropriately express her love for him. It is no surprise that Kent is the first one in the room to oppose Lear's rash decisions against his daughter.
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No, Kent does not take it back; he doubles down on his statements. He exclaims, "Answer my life my judgment, Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least" (I, I, 161). Notice how Lear does not have to threaten Kent anymore; Kent threw his own life on the line "Answer my life" or upon his life. He is willing to die for what he truly believes is right. This is an exact situation and line that summarizes just who Kent is which I do not think was mistakenly dropped into the play by Shakespeare. Kent in this scene makes very apparent what he values and pledges to and that is his internal …show more content…
The life of Kent was never any more than a pawn for Lear and his empire. Kent stating, "My life I never held but as a pawn" (I, I, 165) is directing Lear's attention to the injustice he is now inflicting upon Kent. Being only a pawn is nothing noble. He serves his purpose in playing out the game but does not receive any credit or admiration. Having Kent claim himself as a pawn is a very selfless deed. This selflessness that Kent has is reflected throughout all of his actions in this scene. Not once does Kent attempt to advance his position in this tribunal moment with Lear. Plots of the kingdom are being tossed around with ease and instead of clinging to the power that would be granted with the land or commending Lear’s decision, he instead decided to speak his true voice and
No, Kent does not take it back; he doubles down on his statements. He exclaims, "Answer my life my judgment, Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least" (I, I, 161). Notice how Lear does not have to threaten Kent anymore; Kent threw his own life on the line "Answer my life" or upon his life. He is willing to die for what he truly believes is right. This is an exact situation and line that summarizes just who Kent is which I do not think was mistakenly dropped into the play by Shakespeare. Kent in this scene makes very apparent what he values and pledges to and that is his internal …show more content…
The life of Kent was never any more than a pawn for Lear and his empire. Kent stating, "My life I never held but as a pawn" (I, I, 165) is directing Lear's attention to the injustice he is now inflicting upon Kent. Being only a pawn is nothing noble. He serves his purpose in playing out the game but does not receive any credit or admiration. Having Kent claim himself as a pawn is a very selfless deed. This selflessness that Kent has is reflected throughout all of his actions in this scene. Not once does Kent attempt to advance his position in this tribunal moment with Lear. Plots of the kingdom are being tossed around with ease and instead of clinging to the power that would be granted with the land or commending Lear’s decision, he instead decided to speak his true voice and