One of main themes of King Lear is the conflict between the two Natures which creates a tragic tension. The word ‘Nature’ has two meanings that are strongly contrasted in the play. The purpose of this thesis is to analyse these two conflicting meanings in the context of the theories of nature establ...
One of main themes of King Lear is the conflict between the two Natures which creates a tragic tension. The word ‘Nature’ has two meanings that are strongly contrasted in the play. The purpose of this thesis is to analyse these two conflicting meanings in the context of the theories of nature established by two philosophers, Richard Hooker (1554-1600) and Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679). It aims to relate Hooker's theory to Gloucester's philosophy of life. and Hobbes's to Edmond's philosophy of life. Hooker demonstrates a traditional and orthodox view, saying that ‘Obedience of creatures unto the law of Nature is the stay of the whole world,’ and ‘God to be worshipped; parents to be honoured; others to be used by us as we ourselves would be by them.’ He insists that Nature is bound to God, man is bound to Nature as rational arrangement. Like Hooker, Gloucester also sees that Nature is always something normative for human beings, and that human affairs is controlled by supernatural power. Both Hooker and Gloucester stand for the traditional order of the world. On the other hand, Hobbes shows an unconventional view, saying that ‘In the nature of man, we find three principal causes of quarrel: competition, diffidence, glory.’ Hobbesian conception is reflected in Edmond's theory of Nature that is absolutely materialistic, free from natural order. As a bastard son of Gloucester, Edmond is isolated from traditional custom that does not acknowledge his right to succession and inheritance. He insists that customs coming down from the Middle Ages are unreasonable, and that he would not be bound to such an order of the world. Therefore the conflict of two natures in King Lear suggests that between medieval convention and new middle class. It implies that in the early seventeenth century existing hierarchical order collapsed and greedy individualism appeared as the concept of material value is getting important more and more. Concerns with illegitimacy in this age represented an increased sense of insecurity. Bastards were identified as the living contravention of legal rules, explicit breaches of the law, and usurpation of power in the family and the State. This explains why Edmond as a bastard is described as an extraordinarily powerful and disruptive figure in this play. He is exiled by and rebels against a Medieval hierarchical system which does not admit bastards. Edmond aspires to be entitled to the same benefits with Edgar, and furthermore claims not only an equal share but also all the shares, including those of both his father and his brother. He manoeuvres to achieve his goal deceiving his kind father and innocent brother. Thus King Lear is above all a play about power, property and inheritance. We could, however, sympathize with Edmond's skepticism and ideology of property and power, as it is social prejudice against bastardy that drives him to his wickedness and villainy. Edmond's line, ‘The younger rises when the old doth fall,’ would have had a particular resonance for the Renaissance audience. In Shakespeare's time, tensions between the younger generation and their elders were recognised as a source of social problems. Edgar finally defeats Edmond in the duel, showing the triumph of virtue over vice. He disguised as ‘Poor Tom’ guides and saves his father from disgrace with his true love. Edmond's words after defeat, 'the wheel is come full circle,' implies that the fortune's reversed wheel symbolizing violated order is restored to its original position. Thus in King Lear Shakespeare intends to prove that Nature is a principle of order.
One of main themes of King Lear is the conflict between the two Natures which creates a tragic tension. The word ‘Nature’ has two meanings that are strongly contrasted in the play. The purpose of this thesis is to analyse these two conflicting meanings in the context of the theories of nature established by two philosophers, Richard Hooker (1554-1600) and Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679). It aims to relate Hooker's theory to Gloucester's philosophy of life. and Hobbes's to Edmond's philosophy of life. Hooker demonstrates a traditional and orthodox view, saying that ‘Obedience of creatures unto the law of Nature is the stay of the whole world,’ and ‘God to be worshipped; parents to be honoured; others to be used by us as we ourselves would be by them.’ He insists that Nature is bound to God, man is bound to Nature as rational arrangement. Like Hooker, Gloucester also sees that Nature is always something normative for human beings, and that human affairs is controlled by supernatural power. Both Hooker and Gloucester stand for the traditional order of the world. On the other hand, Hobbes shows an unconventional view, saying that ‘In the nature of man, we find three principal causes of quarrel: competition, diffidence, glory.’ Hobbesian conception is reflected in Edmond's theory of Nature that is absolutely materialistic, free from natural order. As a bastard son of Gloucester, Edmond is isolated from traditional custom that does not acknowledge his right to succession and inheritance. He insists that customs coming down from the Middle Ages are unreasonable, and that he would not be bound to such an order of the world. Therefore the conflict of two natures in King Lear suggests that between medieval convention and new middle class. It implies that in the early seventeenth century existing hierarchical order collapsed and greedy individualism appeared as the concept of material value is getting important more and more. Concerns with illegitimacy in this age represented an increased sense of insecurity. Bastards were identified as the living contravention of legal rules, explicit breaches of the law, and usurpation of power in the family and the State. This explains why Edmond as a bastard is described as an extraordinarily powerful and disruptive figure in this play. He is exiled by and rebels against a Medieval hierarchical system which does not admit bastards. Edmond aspires to be entitled to the same benefits with Edgar, and furthermore claims not only an equal share but also all the shares, including those of both his father and his brother. He manoeuvres to achieve his goal deceiving his kind father and innocent brother. Thus King Lear is above all a play about power, property and inheritance. We could, however, sympathize with Edmond's skepticism and ideology of property and power, as it is social prejudice against bastardy that drives him to his wickedness and villainy. Edmond's line, ‘The younger rises when the old doth fall,’ would have had a particular resonance for the Renaissance audience. In Shakespeare's time, tensions between the younger generation and their elders were recognised as a source of social problems. Edgar finally defeats Edmond in the duel, showing the triumph of virtue over vice. He disguised as ‘Poor Tom’ guides and saves his father from disgrace with his true love. Edmond's words after defeat, 'the wheel is come full circle,' implies that the fortune's reversed wheel symbolizing violated order is restored to its original position. Thus in King Lear Shakespeare intends to prove that Nature is a principle of order.
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