English 2610

The wonderful thing about Shakespeare is how he was able to write in such complex ways that people coming from all walks of life would be able to appreciate it and interpret it in a unique way. As I'm sure all of you in class, and the many other people who have read King Lear, have each taken individual meaning from this play, I have also finished with having learned and embraced my own thoughts on the many themes portrayed. Although some of my ideas are not original interpretations and feelings about the play, they are just as important and meaningful to me in ways that I would argue Shakespeare intended for his readers and audience.

In order to explore the overall impression or theme I was able to obtain from the play, it was useful to consider what I might remember most about it years from now when each detail is not so fresh in my mind. After considering that for a while, I came to the conclusion that I would probably most remember the theme of loyalty and sincere love for another whether it be family or otherwise. There is an undying love presented in more than one relationship that seems to hold true regardless of the dramatic events of the story that progressively take place. Cordelia proves to be one of Lear's most loyal followers and certainly his most loyal daughter. Her willingness to be subjected to exile by her own father in being honest and not praising him the way he wants her to, shows a heart of sincerity; it thus carries through in her love for her father. It holds even stronger when she hears of his mistreatment and is truly moved to tears in knowing of his suffering, all after having caused her heartache in the beginning.

Another relationship that is seemingly significant in the play is the one between Lear and Kent; Kent of course pretending to be a peasant named Caius, in service of the King. Not only does it mark another example of extreme loyalty in an unlikely situation, but it holds great importance for another highlighted idea of the play. In order to realize the value of his daughter and his previous life, Lear had to lose it all. Lear loses Kent by banishing him, but only starts then to realize how incredibly loyal a companion he is, even if he wasn't aware it was Kent with him until the end. Gloucester, though a bit of a side story, is still an important character who also proves to have a great loyalty to the King. He recieves a significant injury in the name of defending the King until the end.

Although Shakespeare reveals many of the shortcomings of humanity in King Lear and his other works, he also portrays a quality in the characters in this particular play that is admirable. He shows that they love him unconditionally whether the reason is family, social ties, or just because he is their king, even when he makes mistakes and can seem a bit out of his mind at times. I find this message completely refreshing and relatable, relationships are valuable among family and friends and sometimes we need to look past the faults of those we love and stand by their side no matter what. With any luck, they might just come around and realize how immensly valuable your companionship is to them as Lear sadly realized too late.