Humility in William Shakespeare’s "King Lear"

Academic Paper , 2019 , 8 Pages , Grade: Undergraduate

English Language and Literature Studies - Literature

Humility is an important virtue, especially for kings who hold immeasurable power. In William Shakespeare’s tragedy play 'King Lear', Lear clearly lacks humility. This essay argues Lear must learn humility. He must learn that his offence against the kingdom is not just political, in the sense that he makes a wrong decision about how to govern, but also ethical and humanitarian, in that he comes to understand his own responsibility for rooted social injustice.

Humility in William Shakespeare's King Lear

Humility is an important virtue, especially for kings who hold immeasurable power. In William Shakespeare's tragedy play King Lear, Lear clearly lacks humility. This essay argues Lear must learn humility. He must learn that his offence against the kingdom is not just political, in the sense that he makes a wrong decision about how to govern, but also ethical and humanitarian, in that he comes to understand his own responsibility for rooted social injustice. A balanced argument is formed surrounding Lear's decision to resign from his kingly duties to determine his true intentions. The manner in which he handles his retirement is criticised to uncover Lear's character flaws. The repercussions of his actions are outlined to show the deadliness of these flaws. His role in the destruction of his family structure is explained to exhibit his responsibility not only as a king, but also as a father. In addition to this, factors contributing to Lear's madness are discussed to reveal certain aspects of his human condition. The significance of role reversal between Lear and Fool are explained to highlight Lear's foolishness in contrast with his acquired wisdom. Lear's character development is thoroughly examined to determine the role of humility in the play. Moreover, the achievement of self-knowledge is analysed to reflect on Lear's growth.

At the time King Lear was set (8th Century B.C.), the King was expected to reign until his death. Lear deviated from the norms of kingship by announcing his intention to prematurely relinquish his reign by dividing the kingdom between his three daughters. The intentions behind this decision have been debated. Some argue this was a lazy, irresponsible, and self- interested act to rid himself of stress and obligations. Lear states, “Meantime we shall express our darker purpose. / Give me the map there. Know we have divided / In three our kingdom; and ‘tis our fast intent / To shake all cares and business from our age, / Conferring them on younger strengths while we / Unburthen'd crawl toward death” (1.1, 34-39). Here, Lear voices his wish to live the remainder of his life in a care-free and luxurious fashion. Others contend he behaved altruistically by ensuring his daughters would not quarrel after his death in order to gain leadership. Evidence of this can be found later in his declaration where he justifies, “Our son of Cornwall, / And you, our no less loving son of Albany, / We have this hour a constant will to publish / Our daughters' several dowers, that future strife / May be prevented now” (1.1, 39-43). Lear bestowed the kingdom he was so absolutely proud of, which consequently made him obsolete and without a role in society. He misguidedly thought the arrangement would preserve peace after his passing. It is unclear whether Lear's interests were self-seeking or in fact philanthropical.

The method Lear employed to apportion his land was demanding his daughters to profess how much they loved him. He asserts, “Tell me, my daughters, / (Since now we will divest us both of rule, / Interest of territory, cares of state) / Which of you shall we say doth love us most / That we our largest bounty may extend / Where nature doth with merit challenge?” (1.1, 47-52). This request showcases Lear's hubris - his excessive pride and self- confidence. Both Goneril and Regan deceive him by over-stating their love for him. Lear's inability to filter out mere flattery from true love is testament to his excessive pride, poor judgement, and gullibility. Morris (1957, p. 141) agrees, “His scheme for the division of his kingdom, and the manner of his carrying it into effect, display what will always be regarded as foolish, proud and wrathful tendencies”. As a result of his fatal flaw, he assigns one third of the land to each manipulative daughter. Cordelia on the other hand, refuses to quantify her love for her father. She rationalises, “I love your majesty / According to my bond, no more nor less” (1.1, 92-93). Lear rejects this notion and orders Cordelia to revise her statement, threatening damage to her inheritance. Cordelia dismisses this opportunity, which infuriates Lear. In outrage, he disowns her as his daughter and redirects her share.

After bequeathing the kingdom to the unworthy and evil Goneril and Regan, Lear witnesses the downfall of the kingdom. He as well as his family and Britain are subject to chaos and cruelty.

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• College: Griffith University (School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science)
• Course: Global Shakespeare
• Grade: Undergraduate
• Author: Kassidy-Rose McMahon (Author)
• Publication Year: 2019
• Pages: 8
• Catalog Number: V1216297
• ISBN (PDF): 9783346658586
• Language: English
• Tags: William Shakespeare, King Lear, Humility, Drama, Literature