Self-Discovery in Shakespeares King Lear :: King Lear essays

Self-Discovery in King Lear Halfway down Hangs genius that gathers samphire, portentous trade Methinks he seems no bigger than his head The fisherman that flip along the beach Appear like mice. Al g-forcegh this quote from Shakespeares King Lear is make by Poor Tom tohis unknowing father Gloucester ab issue the terrain furthest below them, it accuratelysummarizes the plight of the mad king. Lear is out of touch with hissurroundings, riding high upon the wave of power associated with the monarchyeven those closest to him are out of reach, viewed with a distorted lens. Itis through this lens of madness that Lear views his friends and family, and frankincensehe is stripped of everything before he can realize the folly of his judgment. minify to a simple man, Lear is forced to learn the lessons that Gods anointedis already supposed to know. This is the subprogram of the secondary characters ofKing Lear they serve to channelise the many complex facets of Lears complexpersonality, as they force him to finally get in touch with his self-conscious. For example, the taunt, fishily enough, acts as the voice of reason for theout-of -touch King. He views events critically and thus seems to heraldsituations that an ignorant Lear is completely oblivious to. This is evident inact 1, exposure 1, when a prodding Fool asks the king if he knows the difference in the midst of a acidulous fool and a sweet fool. When Lear admits that he does not, theFool attempts to lay it all out in front of him That lord which councelled thee To throw away away thy pull down, Come place him here by me Do thou for him stand. The sweet and bitter fool Will presently appear The one in motley here, The other found out there. The Fool attempts to show the king the folly of his ways. He is essentiallycalling Lear a bitter fool, insinuating that his foolishness will be the causeof such bitterness. This comment is interpreted lightly, but only because the Fool isa satire of the king himsel f, and thus is the only one allowed to criticize him.Lear has a preconceived notion that he will be able to give up all of his landand his throne, and yet still somehow hold on to the power that he is soaccustomed to. Alas, the king does not listen. He continues to recollect he still has thepower that he has long since conceded. He does not believe that by deviding the