Sketch the character of Lear as a father

Answer

 Sketch the character of Lear as a father.

Or, King Lear is a tragedy of a father.

Or, Lear is a foolish old man who deserves everything he gets. 

“King Lear” (1608) is an iconic and most renowned tragedy of William Shakespeare (1564-1616). It revolves around the tragic dilemma of a father, Lear himself. The play explores the themes of power, pride, betrayal, and familial relationships in a stark and unforgiving light. At its core, Lear’s story epitomizes the consequences of hubris and the inevitable decline of authority in the face of human frailty.

Lear’s Tragic flaw: King Lear’s tragic flaw lies in his inability to see beyond his ego and pride. At the beginning of the play, he renounces his kingdom to his daughters based on their flattery, disregarding the genuine love and loyalty of his youngest daughter, Cordelia. In doing so, Lear sets a chain of events that leads to his eventual downfall. His misjudgment not only results in his suffering but also brings about chaos and destruction in the kingdom. At the end of the play, Lear says:

“I am a very foolish, fond old man,

Fourscore and upward, not an hour more nor less;

And to deal plainly,

I fear I am not in my perfect mind.”

Relation between Lear and his daughters: The relationship between Lear and his daughters is the focal point of the tragedy. Lear’s expectation of unconditional love from his daughters, especially Cordelia, reveals his naivety and lack of understanding of genuine familial bonds. Cordelia tells her father: 

“I love your majesty. According to my fond, not more nor less,” 

King Lear’s  inability to accept Cordelia’s refusal to flatter him leads to her banishment. It sets the stage for the unravelling of Lear’s sanity and authority.

Harsh Realities of Lear’s Life: As the play progresses, Lear is stripped of his power, dignity, and sanity. He is left exposed to the world’s harsh realities and wanders the stormy heath in madness. The storm is a metaphor for Lear’s internal turmoil and the chaos that engulfs his kingdom. In his moments of lucidity, Lear reflects on his mistakes and the consequences of his actions. He realises the emptiness of his pursuit of power and validation. He confesses his sin: 

“I am a man. More sinned against than sinning.” 

Tragic Journey of Lear: Lear’s tragic journey is also marked by encounters with other characters, specifically the Fool and Edgar. The Fool serves Lear’s conscience and offers him insight and wisdom amidst the madness. Through the Fool’s cryptic remarks and jests, Lear confronts the folly of his decisions and the transient nature of human existence. Edgar, disguised as the mad beggar Tom o’ Bedlam, mirrors Lear’s descent into madness and serves as a reminder of the fragility of sanity and identity.

Lear’s Reconciliation with Cordelia: Lear’s redemption comes through his reconciliation with Cordelia. Despite his mistreatment of her, Cordelia remains devoted to her father. She demonstrates the enduring power of familial love. Lear’s reunion with Cordelia offers a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy, but it is short-lived. The play concludes with Lear’s heart-wrenching realization of Cordelia’s death. It brings his journey full circle and highlights the inevitability of mortality and suffering. Lear says

“Howl, howl, howl, howl! O, you are men of stones!

……………………………………………

She’s dead as earth.—Lend me a looking glass.

If that her breath will mist or stain the stone,

Why, then she lives.”

In termination, we can say that “King Lear” profoundly explores the tragic consequences of pride, power, and familial betrayal. Lear’s journey from arrogance to humility expresses the human condition. It reminds us of the frailty of authority and the enduring power of love and redemption. Through Lear’s tragic demise, Shakespeare masterfully portrays the complexities of the father-child relationship and the universal themes of loss, forgiveness, and redemption.