To be human is to be susceptible to the ever reaching power of the human mind. This seemingly insignificant organ is the direct catalyst for all the behaviors, actions, and interactions of everyday life. Within Shakespeare’s works, he examines the conditions of this fragile infrastructure and the subsequent consequences of it. Within the play King Lear, Shakespeare conveys the lethal power of becoming a prisoner of their own mind. Through the idea of madness, and its variations within the characters of King Lear, Shakespeare explores madness in the context of the authenticity of madness, the effect on relationships, and the influence on other events.
The very authenticity of madness that the characters of King Lear exhibit examines the very discrete differences between not only the madnesses, but the idea the madness …show more content…
Edgar’s appearance of madness allows himself to delve into the affairs of others, and subsequently change the events of the play. By projecting his mad persona as “some fiend,” he expresses to his father “that the clearest of gods,... have preserved thee.” (4.6.73-74) Gloucester's blindness, not only in sight, but also to Edgar’s intentions, allows Edgar to successfully change the outcome of his father’s attempt of suicide. The ultimate result of madness, however, is the final death of Lear because of his own actions under the influence of madness. Through Lear’s actions, he unintentionally causes the death of all his daughters, and dies shortly after having “hath borne most”.(5.3.344) Lear views that he is “a man/ more sinned against than sinning”, is the principle cause of, not only his own downfall, but the death of his family, along with any hope for any future succession to his crown.(3.2.57-58) The vast influence of madness becomes apparent through the ramifications it causes towards the very events that unfold throughout the
The very authenticity of madness that the characters of King Lear exhibit examines the very discrete differences between not only the madnesses, but the idea the madness …show more content…
Edgar’s appearance of madness allows himself to delve into the affairs of others, and subsequently change the events of the play. By projecting his mad persona as “some fiend,” he expresses to his father “that the clearest of gods,... have preserved thee.” (4.6.73-74) Gloucester's blindness, not only in sight, but also to Edgar’s intentions, allows Edgar to successfully change the outcome of his father’s attempt of suicide. The ultimate result of madness, however, is the final death of Lear because of his own actions under the influence of madness. Through Lear’s actions, he unintentionally causes the death of all his daughters, and dies shortly after having “hath borne most”.(5.3.344) Lear views that he is “a man/ more sinned against than sinning”, is the principle cause of, not only his own downfall, but the death of his family, along with any hope for any future succession to his crown.(3.2.57-58) The vast influence of madness becomes apparent through the ramifications it causes towards the very events that unfold throughout the