Lear’s Journey from King to Man: A Textual Analysis

Abstract

The current article aims to explore how King Lear, the tragic protagonist of the play, undergoes transformation through the process of renunciation and suffering which play pivotal role in his journey from king to man. Shakespeare has depicted the depth of human nature in King Lear through the variety of characters caught up in intense human emotions. It is because of intense emotions that Lear behaves like a dictator, disinherits his daughter Cordelia and banishes the Earl of Kent. While employing the method of textual analysis, it examines how children, motivated by the materialistic ambitions, turn back against their parents and become ungrateful. Lear’s two daughters soon show their true colors and rebel against their father. They reduce Lear to nothing and leave him to suffer on the heath. The findings of the study reveal that suffering causes awareness and brings a change in his personality.