Everybody sins every now and then, and it is clear that the act of sinning is an innate quality within people. However, sins also come along with punishments. In William Shakespeare’s King Lear, the protagonist Lear effectively demonstrates the consequences that result from sinning. Although he mentions in the play that he is a “man more sinned against than sinning” (iii. ii. 60), it is arguable that he is not. Due to his tragic flaws such as his inability to see people’s true nature, along with his impulsive temperament, Lear falls into madness and compels the audience to feel empathy towards his character. In Shakespeare, blindness to the hidden intentions of others is a mental flaw that resides within Lear. As a king, one would expect
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Throughout the play, it is evident that Lear focuses solely on the surface of things rather than the deeper objectives that lies within people’s hearts. Consequently, this makes him unaware of the differences between what is actually true and false. This is proven when Cordelia states, “I am sure my love is more ponderous than my tongue” (i. i. 77-78). Although the audience knows that she does love her father, but will not exaggerate the love she has for him for the sake of inheriting wealth and power, Lear banishes Cordelia when he misunderstands her paradoxical statement of “nothing” (i. i. 88). When Lear divides his kingdom between Goneril and Regan, the Earl of Kent speaks up and confronts the king, telling him to “see better” (i. i. 147) and reconsider his decision. By believing Kent has betrayed him, Lear once again banishes another character that truly cared for his well being as he is unable to see their true intentions. When Lear says, “Hear me, recreant; On thine allegiance hear me!/ That thou has sought to make us break our vows” (i. i. 165- 166), he further demonstrates this fatal trait of his. Although Lear divides his kingdom and gives his crown to Albany and Cornwall, Lear continues to expect the prestige
Throughout the play, it is evident that Lear focuses solely on the surface of things rather than the deeper objectives that lies within people’s hearts. Consequently, this makes him unaware of the differences between what is actually true and false. This is proven when Cordelia states, “I am sure my love is more ponderous than my tongue” (i. i. 77-78). Although the audience knows that she does love her father, but will not exaggerate the love she has for him for the sake of inheriting wealth and power, Lear banishes Cordelia when he misunderstands her paradoxical statement of “nothing” (i. i. 88). When Lear divides his kingdom between Goneril and Regan, the Earl of Kent speaks up and confronts the king, telling him to “see better” (i. i. 147) and reconsider his decision. By believing Kent has betrayed him, Lear once again banishes another character that truly cared for his well being as he is unable to see their true intentions. When Lear says, “Hear me, recreant; On thine allegiance hear me!/ That thou has sought to make us break our vows” (i. i. 165- 166), he further demonstrates this fatal trait of his. Although Lear divides his kingdom and gives his crown to Albany and Cornwall, Lear continues to expect the prestige