King Lear: Themes
Many themes are evident in King Lear, but perhaps one of the most prevalent
relates to the theme of justice. Shakespeare has developed a tragedy that
allows us to see man's decent into chaos. Although Lear is perceived as "a man
more sinned against than sinning" (p.62), the treatment of the main characters
encourages the reader to reflect on the presence or lack of justice in this
world. The characters also vary in their inclination to view the world from
either a fatalistic or moralistic point of view, depending on their beliefs
about the presence or absence of a higher power. The theme of justice in
relation to higher powers can be illustrated from the perspective of King ...
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and finally, the animals. Interrupting this order is unnatural.
King Lear's sin was that he disrupted this chain of being by relinquishing
his throne. By allowing his daughters and their husbands to rule the kingdom,
the natural order of things was disturbed. His notion that he can still be in
control after dividing the kingdom is a delusion. According to Elizabethan
philosophy, it would seem that this is the beginning of his mistakes and is also
the cause of much of the misfortune that occurs later on in the play. Chaos
rules the unnatural.
As well, King Lear makes another devastating mistake which affects his
relationship with his daughters by asking them to tell him how much they love
him in order that he may divide his kingdom according to the strength of their
love. Cordelia, the youngest daughter, states that she loves her father
"according to her bond" (p.4). She is saying that she loves him as much as any
child could love a father. On the other hand, Goneril ...
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to acknowledge hers" (p.9). Here, it seems as though Lear thinks
himself to be particularly special and close to nature because he is
presumptuous in believing that he can read Nature's mind. On the same note,
Lear also seems to order his goddess, Nature, as though he is in control. He
commands Nature to follow his orders,
Hear, Nature, hear! dear goddess, hear!
Suspend thy purpose, if thou didst intend
To make this creature fruitful (p.29).
Therefore, Lear is once again disturbing the order of things by putting himself
above the gods.
Lear disturbs the Chain of Being, unjustly punishes Cordelia and
misinterprets his role in life by assuming himself to be the ...
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