... Goneril in 1.4.284-298) and by encouraging flattery (Hills, 88-9). Regarding the aspect of pride, Lear's speach in act 1 scene 1 portrays kingly pride. The frequent use of the pronoun "we" indicates royal pomp. In line 132, Lear uses the pronoun "I" with relation to power : "...I ... do invest you jointly with my power...". When it comes to power, it is the sole privilege of a king indicated by the "I" instead of "we" (Hills,14). Moreover, what identifies mostly the king's speech with pride is his warning to Kent: "Come not between the Dragon and ... unfolds the naked truth. In fact, the...

• Word Count: 3220
• Approx Pages: 13
• Grade Level: High School

... view, depending on their beliefs about the presence or absence of a higher power. The theme of justice in relation to higher powers can be illustrated from the perspective of King Lear, Gloucester, and Edgar. When reading King Lear, it is helpful to understand the Elizabethan "Chain of Being" in which nature ... he calls Cordelia "a wretch whom Nature is ashamed/Almost to acknowledge hers" (p.9). Here, it seems as though Lear thinks himself to be particularly special and close to nature because he is presumptuous in believing that he can read Nature's mind. On the same note, Lear also s...

• Word Count: 1734
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School