King Lear The Deadliest Sin In The Holy Bible
Tragedy in literature involves unnecessary and avoidable pain and suffering. A tragic hero is a flawed character who, because of circumstances, suffers a fall from grace as a result of an irreversible and serious error. Shakespeare explores these elements in the main character of King Lear. In the play, the old King resigns from his position which leads to dramatic and violent consequences. Due to Lear’s hubris, his poor sense of judgement, and his deep sufferings, King Lear is an effective example of a classical tragic hero.
The deadliest sin written in The Holy Bible is Pride. It is also one of King Lear’s fatal flaws that eventually causes his downfall. First, Lear mercilessly punishes anyone who fails to comply with his ego. Lear arbitrarily
resigns his position and gives away his kingdom. He has his daughters Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia to compete with one another in announcing their affections for him to receive his assets. Unfortunately, Cordelia refuses to engage in his foolishness and says, “I love your Majesty/ According to my bond, no more, nor less.”(1.1.94-95). Lear responds by excluding her: “Here I disclaim all my paternal care, Propinquity and property of blood, And as a stranger to my heart and me”(1.1.115-118). These passages not only confirm the immaturity of Lear’s game, but also the severity of the consequence for anyone who challenges his dignity. Because his pride was disturbed, Lear acts with his instincts instead of logic, resulting in the disownment and banishment of Cordelia. Another example of his extreme pride is seen when Lear’s course of action is opposed by his servant, Kent. When Kent tries to counsel Lear on the truth about his daughters, the impatient king sends him away instead of listening. Kent tells him: “See better, and let me still remain/ The true blank of thine eye.”(1.1.160-161) This comment is meant to calm the king and give him a chance to reconsider his decisions. The response, however, is dismissal “Thy banished trunk be found in our dominions … Away! By Jupiter/ This shall not be revoked.”(1.1.179-181) This rebuke indicates the arrogance of a ruler who is overly sensitive to any challenges to his authority. As seen from the banishment of Cordelia and Kent, it is evident that hubris is Lear’s tragic flaw, which soon leads to his downfall.
The deadliest sin written in The Holy Bible is Pride. It is also one of King Lear’s fatal flaws that eventually causes his downfall. First, Lear mercilessly punishes anyone who fails to comply with his ego. Lear arbitrarily
resigns his position and gives away his kingdom. He has his daughters Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia to compete with one another in announcing their affections for him to receive his assets. Unfortunately, Cordelia refuses to engage in his foolishness and says, “I love your Majesty/ According to my bond, no more, nor less.”(1.1.94-95). Lear responds by excluding her: “Here I disclaim all my paternal care, Propinquity and property of blood, And as a stranger to my heart and me”(1.1.115-118). These passages not only confirm the immaturity of Lear’s game, but also the severity of the consequence for anyone who challenges his dignity. Because his pride was disturbed, Lear acts with his instincts instead of logic, resulting in the disownment and banishment of Cordelia. Another example of his extreme pride is seen when Lear’s course of action is opposed by his servant, Kent. When Kent tries to counsel Lear on the truth about his daughters, the impatient king sends him away instead of listening. Kent tells him: “See better, and let me still remain/ The true blank of thine eye.”(1.1.160-161) This comment is meant to calm the king and give him a chance to reconsider his decisions. The response, however, is dismissal “Thy banished trunk be found in our dominions … Away! By Jupiter/ This shall not be revoked.”(1.1.179-181) This rebuke indicates the arrogance of a ruler who is overly sensitive to any challenges to his authority. As seen from the banishment of Cordelia and Kent, it is evident that hubris is Lear’s tragic flaw, which soon leads to his downfall.