King Lear: Justice

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His early demise is a direct result of
breaching the "Great Chain of Being" which states that no mortal will
abandon his position in the hierarchy of ranking set by God. Lear's
intention of abdicating his throne is apparent from the outset and is seen
in the following speech spoken during the opening scene of the play:

. . . 'tis our fast intent
To shake all cares and business from our age,
Conferring them on younger strengths while we
Unburdened crawl toward death. . .1

Evidently the splitting of Lear's kingdom and abdication of his throne
is not an act of necessity, but an act toward easing the remainder of his
life. Lear's disruption of the "Great Chain of Being" is in an unnatural
fashion because the abdication of his kingship is without dire or mortal
cause. The method of passing down his land to his heirs is also unnatural,
as seen in the following excerpts:


. . . Know that we have divided
In three our kingdom. . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...

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[Lear]
According to my bond [filial], no more nor less.5

Cordelia cannot flatter Lear with praise and states that she merely
loves him as a daughter should love her father, with respect and obedience.
Lear is so heartbroken by his youngest, and until then his most beloved,
daughter's refusal to praise him with her love that a rage ensues:

Lear. Let it be so! thy truth then be they dower!
For, by the sacred radiance of the sun,
The mysteries of Hecate and the night;
By all the operation of the orbs [stars]
From whom we do exist and cease to be;
Here I disclaim all my paternal care,
Propinquity and property of blood,
And as a stranger to my heart and me
Hold thee from ...

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