Shakespeare, through his characters in King Lear, offers an ambiguous study on the theme of nature. Various definitions can be applied on the term “nature,” but the three most prominent are the structure of society, the cosmic order , or faith, and the innate impulses all humans inhabit. Lear begins his monologue by announcing that, “O, reason not the need: our basest beggars / Are in the poorest thing superfluous…” (Shakespeare 2.4 264-265) Lear was recently denied housing by Goneril and Regan because of his extensive entourage. He argues that even the poorest beggars have piddling material possessions they do not necessarily require. Lear continues, stating that “ … Allow not nature more than nature needs… Why, nature needs that thou gorgeous
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He can not simply accept that his daughters would betray him voluntarily and instead desires that they were forced to be disloyal by a transcendent force. In his rage, Lear cries that “I will have such revenge on you both… they shall be the terrors of the earth. You think I’ll weep / No I’ll not weep.” (Shakespeare 2.4 279-282) At that moment, the storm breaks forth, signifying Lear’s inner confusion and motivation to enact justice. Comparable to how Lear hopes an uncontrollable force caused his daughters to show him extreme ingratitude, He wishes to be “ …Touched with noble anger / And let not women’s weapons, water-drops / Stain my man’s cheeks!” (Shakespeare 2.4 276-278) The mystical forces provide Lear and other characters in the play with the necessary motivation to complete their goals. The stage direction of “ Storm and tempest ,” which ties in Lear’s rage, accurately portrays a metaphysical nature that oversees the lives of the characters. Nature in this sense can also be seen as a representation of faith, or destiny. Lear calls out to the stars or gods for patience he desperately needs. Perhaps it was already written by the gods that Lear would suffer such a fate at the hands of his daughters. Additionally, Lear’s …show more content…
At the climax of his rage driven speech, Lear declares his daughters as “unnatural hags.” (Shakespeare 2.4 278) According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the term “hag” is referred to “ An evil spirit, demon, or infernal being, in female form.” (OED Online) Towards the beginning of the play, Goneril and Regan comply with Lear, but their behavior quickly changes once they have received their power. All of this demeaning imagery highlight the twisted, yet, natural impulses of Goneril and Regan. Hags, if meant to be demon figures, are selfish figures that focus on their primal needs at the expense of others. Nonetheless, ambition is a natural trait possessed by all humans, but Lear’s two daughters use it incorrectly to prey upon others for their own benefit. This innate impulse to always garner as much power and respect as possible is also the ultimate downfall of the two sisters. Their innate appetite for power disrupts the status quo initially, but order is later restored at expense of the royal family. Moreover, when Lear asks the heavens for patience, it is evident that he does not naturally inhabit any of that characteristic. Lear was too quick in giving away his power and land, which he ultimately learns during his emphatic speech. In conclusion, King Lear offers an expanded study on the term “nature.” The speech is set in the middle of a storm, but it is clear that Shakespeare does
He can not simply accept that his daughters would betray him voluntarily and instead desires that they were forced to be disloyal by a transcendent force. In his rage, Lear cries that “I will have such revenge on you both… they shall be the terrors of the earth. You think I’ll weep / No I’ll not weep.” (Shakespeare 2.4 279-282) At that moment, the storm breaks forth, signifying Lear’s inner confusion and motivation to enact justice. Comparable to how Lear hopes an uncontrollable force caused his daughters to show him extreme ingratitude, He wishes to be “ …Touched with noble anger / And let not women’s weapons, water-drops / Stain my man’s cheeks!” (Shakespeare 2.4 276-278) The mystical forces provide Lear and other characters in the play with the necessary motivation to complete their goals. The stage direction of “ Storm and tempest ,” which ties in Lear’s rage, accurately portrays a metaphysical nature that oversees the lives of the characters. Nature in this sense can also be seen as a representation of faith, or destiny. Lear calls out to the stars or gods for patience he desperately needs. Perhaps it was already written by the gods that Lear would suffer such a fate at the hands of his daughters. Additionally, Lear’s …show more content…
At the climax of his rage driven speech, Lear declares his daughters as “unnatural hags.” (Shakespeare 2.4 278) According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the term “hag” is referred to “ An evil spirit, demon, or infernal being, in female form.” (OED Online) Towards the beginning of the play, Goneril and Regan comply with Lear, but their behavior quickly changes once they have received their power. All of this demeaning imagery highlight the twisted, yet, natural impulses of Goneril and Regan. Hags, if meant to be demon figures, are selfish figures that focus on their primal needs at the expense of others. Nonetheless, ambition is a natural trait possessed by all humans, but Lear’s two daughters use it incorrectly to prey upon others for their own benefit. This innate impulse to always garner as much power and respect as possible is also the ultimate downfall of the two sisters. Their innate appetite for power disrupts the status quo initially, but order is later restored at expense of the royal family. Moreover, when Lear asks the heavens for patience, it is evident that he does not naturally inhabit any of that characteristic. Lear was too quick in giving away his power and land, which he ultimately learns during his emphatic speech. In conclusion, King Lear offers an expanded study on the term “nature.” The speech is set in the middle of a storm, but it is clear that Shakespeare does