I am a man more sinned against than sinning.
King Lear is a notable literary work by William Shakespeare. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of King Lear.
Answer
“I am a man more sinned against than sinning.”-Explain with reference. (2021)
This line is spoken by King Lear in Act 3, Scene 2 of “King Lear” (around 1605-1606) by William Shakespeare (1564–1616). Lear speaks these words when he is out in the storm, abandoned by his ungrateful daughters, Goneril and Regan. Let us now move to the main discussion.
At this moment, Lear feels deeply wronged. His daughters have thrown him out into the wild night without shelter. He stands helpless under heavy rain and thunder. The storm outside reflects the storm in his heart. Lear says, “I am a man / More sinned against than sinning,” meaning that others have done more wrong to him than he has done to others.
Lear’s words express his sorrow and self-pity. He blames his daughters for their cruelty and ingratitude. He thinks himself innocent and unfairly treated. Yet, this line also shows his slow change. Earlier, Lear was proud and selfish. But now, suffering teaches him humility and awareness of human pain.
The line has great emotional and moral power. It shows how a once mighty king becomes a weak old man seeking love and justice. The storm scene and this speech mark Lear’s journey from pride to wisdom.
In short, this famous line expresses Lear’s deep pain and realization of his tragic fate. It shows that though he made mistakes, the cruelty of his daughters is far greater. Hence, Lear truly becomes “a man more sinned against than sinning.”