The Implication Of Death In King Lear

As one masterpiece by Shakespeare, King Lear has caused a hot argument about its miserable ending since it was performed in public. This dissertation will take this seemingly unfair ending as the starting point, and make a thorough textual study of its death theme. I attempt to reveal the deep-seated significance behind the characters" forlorn deaths. The death of Lear and Cordelia is not the absence of "poetic justice" but an elaborate arrangement by Shakespeare. It is the result of reflection on humanism and Christianity. With the deaths of a series of characters, the playwright expresses his own understanding on human being’s existence and clearly states his attitude on human nature. This dissertation is guided with the theoretical framework of "humanitarian criticism". Based on the influential theory by A. C. Bradley’s "character-centered criticism", I approach the theme of death in King Lear under the background of Renaissance and Humanism. The two groups in the play represent two completely different ways of existence which have universal significance. Meanwhile, philosophical theories are also applied for the reflections on the pursuit of ultimate meaning of existence. In consideration of the relationship between Christianity and western literature, I would make a brief research on the Christian values in King Lear.A great tragedy does not require moral justice to exhibit its sublimity. The greatness of tragedy lies in its imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude which will arouse pity and fear of the audience. To evaluate a tragedy with the criterion of morality will absolutely vitiate the value of the play. In Shakespearian works, the unconditional dominating role of the leading character is embodied in his/her tragic death in the final scene. No other dramatist than Shakespeare can acquire and exert this dramatic skill well. In the next place, the arrangement of the death ending is the result of reflection on human nature by Shakespeare. The dramatist modifies his thoughts on the significance of existence and clearly makes his own choice about the ways of human beings’ existence which are represented by the two groups in King Lear. In the late Renaissance, confronted with the attack of extreme Machiavellianism and the corruption of morality, humanist Shakespeare expresses his anger and pity in his King Lear. He gives a vivid description of the human nature in the play. The seemingly miserable fates of the virtue group reveal the support of the playwright on the kindness of human nature, and his unique interpretation on the significance of existence.In Shakespeare’s eyes, death is definitely not just the relief but the earnest call of love. Death is the satisfactory ending when one finishes his self-redemption. After experiencing the sufferings, the character realizes the transcendence of self limitations and becomes a better man. Eyes being gouged, Gloucester "sees" the world more clearly even than before; the repentance of panting Edmund manifests the hope of kindness; madness enables Lear to break away from the worldly entanglements, such as ambition and desire for power and see what he cannot see during his sanity. Together with Cordelia, Lear finishes his spiritual redemption in an eventful world.As a great humanist, Shakespeare has no objection to religion. In fact, Renaissance came upon the stage in the name of Reformation. Therefore it is not difficult to explain the deep influence of Christianity on Shakespeare and his works. Although the secularity of KingLear is obvious, it does not prevent Shakespeare from expounding his feelings and attitude towards religion in it. In King Lear hardships do not just refer punishment any longer but the way leads to self redemption. The noble qualities embodied by the characters:the sincerity and forgiveness of Cordelia, the loyalty of Kent, are exactly the core values of Christianity. With the deaths of Cordelia and Lear, Shakespeare confesses his call of love, forgiveness and kindness in a subtle manner to remedy the fallen morality.Although Shakespeare does not write a happy ending for King Lear, this seemingly flawed ending never affect the sublimity of King Lear. On the contrary, the death of Cordelia and Lear is the satisfactory spiritual redemption which surpass the corporeal destruction. To Shakespeare, one dies with spiritual dignity is the best interpretation of human beings" existence.