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 Lear,
Gloucester, and Edgar.
When reading King Lear, it is helpful to understand the Elizabethan "Chain
of Being" in which nature is viewed as order. Rosenblatt (1984) states that
there was a belief in an established hierarchy within the universe. Everything
had its own......

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Title: King Lear: Themes
Approximate Word Count: 1718
Approximate Pages: 7 (250 words per double-spaced page)

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