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King Lear And The Fatal Flaw - Online Paper

King Lear And The Fatal Flaw

‘How central is the idea of a ‘fatal flaw’ in King Lear?’
More than any of Shakespeare’s plays, King Lear explores the concept of a fatal flaw and the terrible downfall it could lead to. It is indeed the most central idea in the play. Shakespeare shows us how one flaw in an otherwise normal person can lead to their ultimate demise.
From the very inception we witness what Lear’s fatal flaw is - his pride. We first see it surface when he decides to divide his Kingdom into three for his three daughters. To claim their share, they must proclaim their love for their father in front of the entire court. Whichever loves him the most will be given the most land. The eldest, Goneril, protests her ...

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Cordelia away from him. ‘Hence, and avoid my sight!’ A fundamental part of Lear’s mistake is what he expects to hear from his daughters, especially his favorite, Cordelia.
With Cordelia cast away, he sets about trying to enjoy his old age, but we discover that his two eldest daughter’s intentions are not as entirely wholesome as we once thought. When Lear himself learns of this, what he ought to really feel is fear, but what actually possesses him is rage. The King and his fool are thrown out into the stormy night.
“You unnatural hags,
I will have such revenges on you both that all the world shall -
I will do such things,”

Lear is going mad, but knows more than he once did. Not only does he come to realise what he has done, but also on what a cruel and reasonless basis the world punishes. Crouched permanently in the realm of madness, there is no escape for Lear. It is nothing but the repercussions of his terrible pride that has given him his ticket to this insane world, and ...

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King Lear And The Fatal Flaw. (2006, September 4). Retrieved January 15, 2026, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/King-Lear-And-The-Fatal-Flaw/51828

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 9/4/2006 05:08:38 AM
Category: English
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 441
Pages: 2

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