Shakespeare's King Lear

Layne K.

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Shakespeare's King Lear

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Abstract

William Shakespeare's King Lear tragically ends with the death of many characters in the play's final scene. Act V, scene 3 brings about the confrontation of the opposing characters, resulting in disorder and many untimely deaths. Amidst this chaos is the character Kent. Kent is King Lear's nobleman who remains intensely loyal to him throughout the entire play, disguising himself as a peasant in order to continue his service to Lear even after he disregards him.

Introduction
Lear after his imprisonment
Lear's delirious rants in the final scene
Lear's emotions
Withstanding pain
The last moments of the scene and play
A consistent theme
Points

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[...] He hates him that would upon the rack of this tough world stretch him out longer” ( 5.3 .331). When Kent says not to Lear, he is basically saying that living for Lear is too much work and a displeasing act because the life Lear lived was not fair to him. Stirring Lear back to life would be more of an irritation. This actually shows that Kent's love and admiration for the king drives him to think death is the best solution for Lear because does not want to see him suffer anymore, especially now without Cordelia. [...]

[...] The last moments of the scene and play leave Kent, Albany, and Edgar left to rule the nation that Lear and his lineage had left behind. Albany invites Kent to share in ruling the thrown. He not only declines but reveals through his response just how loyal he was to Lear and that his life ultimately was lived for Lear. Kent responds, have a journey, sir, shortly to go. My master calls me. I must not say ( 5.3 .340). [...]

[...] Kent enters and asks where Lear is. Albany demands from Edmund their whereabouts. Edmund repents his crimes and determines to do good before his death. He tells the others that he had ordered that Cordelia be hanged and sends a messenger to try to intervene. Lear enters. The messenger was too late and Cordelia dies. Lear slips in and out of sanity and cannot recognize Lear. KENT: Fortune brags of two she loved and hated, one of them we behold.” We're looking at the unluckiest man who ever lived. [...]

[...] This response from Kent shows that his life was lived for King Lear and he will forever be devoted to him. A consistent theme that is brought about with Kent's presence in the final scene is loyalty. Amongst the chaos and arguing that is taking place between the other characters is Kent's wisdom, but also his despair. He does not choose to partake in the conversations of the other characters, but chooses to particularly only speak when Lear is involved. [...]

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