King Lear: Family Relationships, Human Nature and Its Failings Essay

I adore your majesty according to my trammel net no more nor less (I. i. 94-95). Good morning teachers and HSC students. King Lear, a undated story of family relationships, human character and its failings. But what makes this play never-failing? The fact that it contains universal themes of love, jealousy and family relationships makes it applicable to modern times flush though it was written for a 16thcentury audience.Two critics that have commented on the thematic concerns of family relationships and human nature are Maggie Tomlinson in A violent worldly concern and Jim Young in Still by with(predicate) the hawthorn blows the cold turn on, both of which Ill be discussing, today in detail. The concept of family relationships is a prevalent theme that can be viewed on numerous levels, much(prenominal) as the deterioration, renewal and the nature of familial bonds. There are many family relationships in the plat of King Lear, with the two major ones relating to the sub pl ot of Gloucester and the main plot of Lear.In both these relationships, betrayal is the major calculate that contributes to the deterioration of the kinship. In Gloucesters case, through the simple act of humbling Edmund, where Gloucester phrases in his presence There was ripe sport at his making and the whoreson must be acknowledged (1. 1. 21-24), he created a faulting in the relationship. Maggie Tomlinson brings up a rather significant point when she comments on the nature of the relationship and the trust that is abused.She states The evidence is simply non the separate of thing any one permit alone a catch would believe in This illustrates the trust that is built in these types of relationships and the ability of it to be exploited. Family relationships are also seen between the daughters and King Lear. Shakespeare cleverly investigates the nature of relationships through Lears test to see who loves him the most.Goneril and Regan are portrayed as artful people with the gift of words and courtly manners, but it can be noted that Cordelia also loves her father but cannot express it where she says I am sure my loves more ponderous than my tongue (I. i. 76-78). With the absence seizure of a maternal figure, one could question how much Lear loves, let alone, knows about his daughter. The fact that he banishes Cordelia, when she cannot express her love, shows the little knowledge he has of her weaknesses and strengths or the state of his mind. After surrendering his power, Lear demands love from his daughters Goneril and Regan, but does not receive, so he begins to plead.Jim Young comments on this deteriorating relationship, where Lears perspective is that his daughters owe him love because of the material gifts he has shewn them Thy half of the kingdom thou hast not forget, where in I thee endowed ( II. iv. 177-181). This emphasises the obligations of the forced relationship instead of its congenital occurrence. Another aspect that is deeply investi gated in King Lear is human nature and its failings. To define human nature it is the attributes of humankind that are assumed to be shared by all human beings, making it a timeless theme.To be human is to fault and to learn from ones mistakes. come-on is a core aspect that causes these faults and is part of human nature. Throughout the play, lure can be seen especially through that of Lear. Its human nature to sense of smell love but one of Lears flaws is his pride, he wants to be praised, hark how much he is loved. But this flaw in his nature of temptation causes his downfall and the loss of his sanity. In his confusion, he becomes metaphorically blind. It is barely during the draw that he receives his own test, where things might change or cease.It is in this impel that he goes back to nature as a primal being, where the only thing that distinguished him from an animal, was stark , that is the ability to think and reason. Here, he is stripped of all clothes, and hence dig nity presenting the failing of ones nature. Young goes on to say that Lear only becomes sane because of those around him especially the Fool. The Fool stands by with Lear and shares his in sufferings but is specific about one point Never give your power to anyone.It is human nature to want power and respect, and when Lear gives it away, as seen through the losing of his knights, he himself becomes a fool. Lastly, Shakespeare also investigates human natures community to redemption in Edmond. Edmond seeks redemption before he dies, where death is the redemptory justice. Knowing that he was not to live, he tried to change his loathsomeness nature by notifying others to go and save Cordelia from his murderous messenger, but as Maggie Tomlinson said, Shakespeare cleverly incorporates the attempts of a person to change their nature.Here, Edmond fails and is responsible for Cordelias death. Tomlinson brings up the question if whether this shows that we can attempt to change, but it is o ur human nature to be conservative and not dwell into unfamiliar territory, and hence Edmond tries to do good by saving Cordelia but only fails. King Lear will hold out to remain a timeless story, and enlighten audiences about family relationships and human nature, for long time to come. One could only wonder if those in Shakespeares time appreciated the play, the amount it is appreciated now. Thank you.