Essay on Biblical Imagery in King Lear -- King Lear essays

Biblical Imagery in Lear   Had King Lear been exposed to Christian Scriptures, he may have lettered the folly of his prideful demand that his daughters vocally profess their hunch. The Scriptures clearly offer that "if whatever tried to by love with their wealth, contempt is all they would get." (Sg 87) Of course, had King Lear read and abided by the Scriptures, we would be wanting of a expectant work of literature. Lears situation closely fits the characterization from the Song of Songs. In applying the passage to his story, we must analyze the argument presented in the passage. We see that the argument follows the Modus Ponens form, containing a premise and a conclusion that logically follows. The argument is valid due(p) to its form. However, we must determine the truth of the premise and conclusion in ensnare to determine whether the statement applies to Lear. First, let us consider the premise "if any tried to buy love with their wealth." Le ar poses this question to his three daughters Which of you shall we say doth love us most That we may our largest bounty extend Where nature doth with meritoriousness challenge. (I,i, 56-58)   This question clearly links the profession of love, which Lear naively supposes to indicate real love, with the reception of the "several dowers." (I,i, 47) This is further borne out in Lears rash disinheritance of loyal, scarcely silent, Cordelia. Lear continues to connect love with property as he warns Cordelia "nothing leave behind come of nothing." (I,i, 99) When she persists in her speech, he further cautions her to "mend your speech a little / lest you may mar your fortunes." (I,i, 103-14) Lears speech and behavior certainly ma... ...yal characters, with the expulsion of Albany who was miles away in Scotland, are out in the do while the wicked daughters, treacherous Edmund and their conspirators are safely dry indoors Gloucesters castle. Only th ose who pass through water and are touched by the spirit of love and right judgment are able to accomplish happiness. We now more fully see the rich imagery border the love in King Lear. The passage from Song of Songs and the entire run into of King Lear now combine to remind us of the enduring, free nature of true love and the dangers of relying on wealth to secure loyalty and affection. Shakespeare uses this estimation elsewhere. Roderigo is unable to bribe Desdemona with his baubles. Neither is Duke Orsino able to woo the fair Countess Olivia with his prestigiousness and wealth. Once again, we see that Shakespeare knew what he wrote.