King Lear Identity

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Aristotle's natural order that governs the Shakespearean time period is challenged with progression of thought evident throughout King Lear, as existential isolation overtakes any presupposition of identity that was once a source of closure. While Lear’s initial sense of self was instilled with superficial love and selfish inclination by Regan, Goneril, and Cornwall, painful introspection yields a humbled identity. In Act I, Lear is dependent on language for substance and self-worth; Act V considers language as sacrifice, where excess language deteriorates emotion and action. The storm that humbles Lear puts in perspective the meaning of intensity, as Lear becomes truly alive as he experiences utter loss and sheer emotion at once to the greatest …show more content…
The mere existence of their strong relationship remains prevalent throughout the novel despite the initial breach, because when they are apart, Lear and Cordelia set on their way to find each other. Lear tries to get to Dover, and Cordelia leaves France for her father without evidence of communication. The internal drive to mend matters, after being separated by a harsh tongue, reveals the undeniable connection between Lear and Cordelia that precedes the essence of their love. Lear’s tempered tongue evolves; to find his voice, Lear inevitably succumbs to insanity as a means to reconstruct and let go of his previous …show more content…
Though Lear intended to, “shake all cares and businesses from our age, conferring them on younger strengths while we unburdened crawl toward death,” Lear becomes passionate for life instead. Lear mentions his traitors in the middle of the storm, as in the“rain that wet me once,” and the “thunder would not peace at my bidding,” Lear “smelt ‘em out.” Regan and Goneril have not had an existential confrontation, but as Lear faces the sublime extremities, he attains clarity elevated to that of his two daughters. In the middle of the tempest, Lear comes to the conclusion that, “they told me I was everything. ‘Tis a lie, I am not ague-proof,” ultimately succumbing to his own vulnerability. Lear’s exposed sense of self has brought him to the edge of his preconceived essence, and challenged his existence as an authoritative king without
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