Symbols And Themes in Shakespeare's “King Lear

Introduction

King Lear is one of the famous plays of Shakespeare and has always been subject to much critique and discussion as audiences have always responded to it in many ways. This literary work is renowned for its complexities and is a true reflection of Shakespeare's genius. This tragedy is an amalgamation of complex and colourful characters and themes, highly intense emotions and a very intricate plot full of surprising twists and turns.

Discussion

The play is about political power and how it manifests itself in family dynamics. The king, out of sheer foolishness gives his authority Goneril and Regan, landing his entire empire into chaos and tumult. As the two sisters indulge in their insatiable quest for power, and Edmund begins his own ascension, the entire kingdom falls into great misery and as the King's fate sees a tragic downfall, the entire country is also engulfed by civil strife and disorder. The play is concerned with the fall of King Lear. We can only guess what he was like in his prime, but it is safe to assume that he was a larger than life figure, dominant and quick-tempered. He enjoyed the high life, carousing with his Knights and hunting. The land he ruled over was stable and strong, but he had little understanding of the problems faced by his subjects (Kermode 123).

Themes

The play contains a wide range of themes running though out. They are universal in nature and have been recurrently experienced by humanity, irrespective of religion or culture. The readers and audience can connect to one or the other aspect of the play. For example, greed, lust, betrayal, insanity, thirst for power and self-realization.

It is only during the storm that the king realizes his worthlessness and the powerful natural forces make him realize his own insignificance and powerlessness. He accepts himself as an ordinary mortal who cannot defy what fate throws at him and cannot avert hardships, if they choose to strike. More important than the loss of power is this realization. The king becomes humble and aims to confront his personal as well as political woes (Bruce 67).

Reconciliation

There is much gloom and darkness that pre-dominates the mood in the play. Act 5 represents one of the most soul-wrenching ending in literary works. However, the relationship between King Lear and Cordelia does leave one with hope, as it is based on true and pure, unconditional and sacrificing love. Cordelia, even after being treated in a brutal fashion never aims to avenge herself, rather she proves to be her father's saviour by bringing an army from another country to save him from his tormentors. This proves to be an eye-opener for Lear as he recognizes the magnitude of troubles that his foolish decision cause and he aims to rectify it and reconcile all difference with his brandished daughter. Cordelia also forgives him in the wake of his miserable state and his self-realization becomes the hope for a love that is unaffected by time ...